Nomenclature

Common Name:

East Palatka holly

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Ilex x attenuata

Family:

Aquifoliaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

20-25 ft tall by 20 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

red

Phenology:

Evergreen. Self-fertile hybrid.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant. Plant where its shiny green foliage and bright red fruits can be seen.

Considerations:

Availability:

Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

Acidic to neutral

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds

Bees visit the flowers, but all plants are female.  This is apparently one of the few hollies where females will produce fruits without the presence of a male holly.

Fruits are eaten by birds.

Native Habitats:

Freshwater and brackish marshes.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

This naturally occurring hybrid has become a landscaping favorite. Ilex x attenuata is a natural hybrid originally found growing in the wild in Florida.    It is a cross between I. cassine (dahoon) and I. opaca (American holly).  To the best of our knowledge, this holly was documented once in 1924, in Walton County.  It may no longer occur in nature.