Turf

4” long) have three large spines at the apex. Dull white flowers appear in May. Flowers arefragrant but generally inconspicuous. Pollinated flowers give way to berry-like red drupes (1/3”long) which ripen in fall and persist into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit.Problems:Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Potentialdisease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Plants are alsosusceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils). Winterhardiness is a significant problem in St. Louis.Uses:This species is infrequently found in commerce, but a number of popular cultivars are commonlysold. Effective as a specimen or in small groups or as a hedge. Foundation plantings. Foliage andfruit provide good color for the winter landscape.Back to plant list- 50 -