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Ilex opaca American holly Evergreen shrub (1 Page of 5) The Ilex opaca plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Massachusets to Florida and west to Texas. It is a member of the Aquifoliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as American holly. Some home gardeners know the variety as I. quercifolia. Meerb. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Ilex opaca Common Name: American holly Family: Aquifoliaceae Author: Ait. Known Hazards: The fruits can cause violent vomiting[222]. Mature Height: 15 Mature Width: 1.5 Habitat: Grows in a variety of soil types, but it is generally found in deep moist bottomlands[229]. Moist woods, hedges and fields[43, 184].
Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[78, 80]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the folowing year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up.
Layering in October. Takes 2 years.
For further Ilex opaca gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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