Blog  December 5, 2011

Festive in the East: Mountain Holly

Foliage and fruit of mountain holly (Photo: Brenda Taylor)

Recently renamed Ilex mucranata, mountain holly is a large shrub of eastern Canada, common around wetlands and bogs and along the edges of woodlands.

Producing showy maroon fruit in early fall, this holly attracts birds, butterflies and butterfly larvae. To protect itself, the berries and leaves hold a nausea-inducing toxin while its branches and stems boast protective thorns/prickles to deter larger threats such as deer.

Find out more about mountain holly and other native species we love in the Native Plant Database.