Etymology: Ilex: ancient Latin name of the Holly Oak, rather than Holly
Plants: erect, perennial, 6'-16' tall shrub
Leaves: thin, deciduous, oblong, with sharp teeth
Flowers: whitish, 6-8-parted, petal edges entire, attached at the base; inflorescence of several flowers in a cluster from the leaf axils; blooms May-Ju
Fruits: red berry, with thick nutlet
Habitat: wet; swamps, woods
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest; UW-Extension: Interactive guide providing information on cultivation including: soil, zone, growth rate, landscape uses, pruning, light requirements; with photos and Latin name pronounciation