Status:
valid
Authors:
(Pursh) A.Gray
Source:
tro
Year:
1856
Citation Micro:
Manual (Gray), ed. 2. 264. 1856 [ca. 1 Sep 1856]
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001078498
Common Names
- Laevigata Holly
- Laevigata's Holly
- Holly Laevigata
Description
Ilex laevigata (also called Smooth-Leaf Holly, among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 15 feet tall. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces small white flowers in the spring. It is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in moist woodlands and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Ilex laevigata is a species of holly native to Mexico and Central America. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The leaves are used to make a tea that is said to have medicinal properties. The berries are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ilex laevigata flowers are small, white and fragrant, with four petals. The seeds are small, black and glossy. The seedlings are slender and dark green in color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ilex laevigata is a small evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and placed in a moist rooting medium. Once established, Ilex laevigata should be planted in a sunny or partially shaded location in well-drained soil.
Where to Find Ilex laevigata
Ilex laevigata can be found in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Species in the Ilex genus
Species in the Aquifoliaceae family
Ilex mucugensis,
Ilex stenura,
Ilex toroidea,
Ilex guaramacalensis,
Ilex abscondita,
Ilex acutidenticulata,
Ilex affinis,
Ilex altiplana,
Ilex amara,
Ilex amazonensis,
Ilex annamensis,
Ilex anomala,
Ilex antonii,
Ilex apicidens,
Ilex apiensis,
Ilex aquifolium,
Ilex aracamuniana,
Ilex archeri,
Ilex ardisiaefrons,
Ilex arimensis,
Ilex arnhemensis,
Ilex atabapoensis,
Ilex attenuata,
Ilex auricula,
Ilex azuensis,
Ilex baasiana,
Ilex barahonica,
Ilex belizensis,
Ilex berteroi,
Ilex blancheana,
Ilex blanchetii,
Ilex brandegeeana,
Ilex brasiliensis,
Ilex brevipedicellata,
Ilex bullata,
Ilex canariensis,
Ilex casiquiarensis,
Ilex cassine,
Ilex celebensis,
Ilex chevalieri,
Ilex chinensis,
Ilex chiriquensis,
Ilex ciliolata,
Ilex clementis,
Ilex clethriflora,
Ilex cognata,
Ilex colchica,
Ilex condorensis,
Ilex congesta,
Ilex cookii,