Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta, Paxton’s Fl. Gard. 1: 43 (1850))

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Author: Lindl. & Paxton

Bibliography: Paxton’s Fl. Gard. 1: 43 (1850)

Year: 1850

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ilex

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. China to S. Korea, Hainan

Description

Chinese holly, or Ilex cornuta, is a striking evergreen shrub that captures attention with its glossy, dark green leaves and abundant red berries. It belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family, a group distinguished by its hardy, aesthetic plants. Originally detailed in the mid-19th century literature by Lindl. & Paxton in Paxton’s Flower Garden, Chinese holly has been recognized for its unique horticultural characteristics since 1850.

Native to Central and Southern China, extending into Southern Korea and Hainan, this resilient plant adapts well to a variety of climates and conditions. Its name, ‘cornuta,’ meaning ‘horned,’ alludes to the distinctive, horn-like spines on the edges of its leaves, which give the plant its unique and somewhat dramatic appearance.

Chinese holly is particularly valued for its robust and dense foliage, which provides a year-round verdant backdrop in gardens and landscapes. During the fall and winter months, the plant produces small, white flowers which are soon followed by vibrant red berries, offering a stark and beautiful contrast against the deep green leaves. These berries are not only visually appealing but also serve as an important food source for birds during the colder months.

In terms of cultivation, Chinese holly is relatively low-maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a stand-alone specimen plant. Additionally, Chinese holly is deer resistant, adding another practical benefit for gardeners.

This plant’s expansive native range from temperate to subtropical regions highlights its adaptability and durability. Whether used in formal garden designs or natural landscapes, Ilex cornuta brings both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits to any planting scheme.

Common Names

Eng: chinese holly, horned holly
Deu: chinesische stechpalme
Fra: houx
Kor: ho-rang-ga-si-na-mu
En: Chinese holly, Horned holly, Burford’s holly
Fr: Houx
De: Chinesische Stechpalme
Ko: Ho-rang-ga-si-na-mu

Synonyms

• Ilex cornuta f. typica (Loes.)
• Ilex cornuta var. fortunei ((Lindl.) S.Y.Hu)
• Ilex fortunei f. aureovariegata (Schelle)
• Ilex furcata (Lindl. ex Goepp.)
• Ilex cornuta f. gaetana (Loes.)
• Ilex fortunei (Lindl.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by Scott Pagona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Acinas Blanco Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2021 by David Harris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Rich Rockett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Serafin Fernandez (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Acinas Blanco Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Courtland Hemphill (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2013 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by L P (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Bylen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2021 by Destri Toups (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Joe Cannon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 21, 2021 by joseph aruta (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Cestrumnocturnum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Ellie Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Correa Pamela (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 11, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Sofie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414258)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:83182-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxton)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 4.5