*Ilex ×meserveae

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*Ilex ×meserveae
BLUE HOLLY

Aquifoliaceae

Location: map coordinates T-8 (north side of Washington Building),
N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'47''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • evergreen shrub
  • etymology: Ilex from the Latin name for holm oak/holly oak (Quercus ilex); meserveae after Mrs. Kathleen [F. Leighton] Meserve, of NY, who produced this hybrid (purportedly of I. rugosa and I. aquifolium, or I. cornuta and I. rugosa)
  • the common name “blue holly” comes from the bluish-purple stems; varieties include ‘Blue Boy’ and ‘Blue Girl’; ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Princess’
  • also known as Meserve hollies
  • leaves spiny-toothed, shiny
  • polygamo-dioecious (separate male and female trees, with some perfect flowers); flowers small, whitish
  • fruit red, berry-like drupe (stone fruit)
  • popular ornamental

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)

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