Family: Aquifoliaceae
Author: Thunb.
Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 168 (1784)
Year: 1784
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ilex
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Nepal to Temp. E. Asia
Description
Japanese holly, scientifically known as Ilex crenata, is a resilient and attractive evergreen shrub belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. This plant is indigenous to East Asia, extending from Eastern Nepal through the temperate regions of Eastern Asia. It was first classified by the botanist Thunberg and its description was detailed in J.A. Murray’s “Systema Vegetabilium” in 1784.
Characterized by its small, glossy, dark green leaves which are less spiny than those of other holly species, Japanese holly is often favored for its compact and dense growth habit. This makes it an excellent choice for hedging, topiary, and as a foundation plant in garden landscapes. The leaves are typically serrated, providing a subtle texture to the overall foliage.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Ilex crenata produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in the spring, which are followed by black, berry-like drupes that mature in the fall. These berries are attractive to birds, adding an extra layer of ecological value to the plant.
Japanese holly is highly adaptable to various soil types but thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and is known for its hardiness, withstanding a range of environmental conditions including cold temperatures typical of temperate climates. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage.
Overall, Ilex crenata is a versatile and visually appealing plant that plays a significant role in ornamental horticulture, as well as in supporting local wildlife. Its ease of maintenance and adaptability make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.
Common Names
Eng: japanese holly, box-leaf holly
Deu: japanische stechpalme
Fra: houx crénelé
Swe: japansk järnek
Nld: japanse hulst
En: Japanese holly, Box-leaf holly
Ar: بهشية مفرضة
Zh: 假黃楊, 日本冬青(齒葉冬青), 齿叶冬青
Cs: Cesmína vroubkovaná
Da: Buksbombladet Kristtorn
Nl: Japanse hulst
Fi: Japaninorjanlaakeri
Fr: Houx crénelé
De: Japanische Stechpalme
Ko: 꽝꽝나무
Fa: ایلکس کرناتا
Ru: Падуб городчатый
Sv: Japansk järnek
Zh-tw: 假黃楊
Zh-hant: 齒葉冬青
Synonyms
- Ilex crenata var. typica (Loes.)
- Ilex crenata f. genuina (Loes.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 24, 2019 by C LO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Guillaume Soubiran (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Guillaume Soubiran (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 20, 2020 by dan coventry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kenpei (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Dalgial (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Robin N (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Location credit to the Chanticleer Garden. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2020 by Vivian Bullion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 20, 2020 by dan coventry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by deepak (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Tobias Oberdieck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kenpei (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Robin N (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 5, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Green Witch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2020 by lynnette tromler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Zeynep Mutlu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Zeynep Mutlu (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 28, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Andrea (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 28, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Andrea (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:83193-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414239)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ilex crenata Thunb.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.5
Ph minimum: 4.5