Ilex mucronata (Fr: némopanthe mucroné | En: mountain holly)

Example with Ilex mucronata

Ilex mucronata
(Fr: némopanthe mucroné | En: mountain holly, catberry)

Description:

A graceful wetland shrub with bright red berries and slender purple-tinged stems, mountain holly adds subtle beauty to woodland and bog gardens.

Also known as catberry, this native shrub is characteristic of cool northern forests and wetlands. It has a light, airy structure with slender branches and small finely toothed leaves that give the plant a delicate appearance.

In spring it produces small inconspicuous flowers which later develop into bright red berries that persist into fall and early winter. These fruits provide an important food source for birds and other wildlife at a time when many other plants have already finished producing fruit.

In natural settings mountain holly is often found growing among sphagnum moss, alders, and other wetland shrubs. When planted in naturalistic landscapes it works beautifully as part of a native shrub layer, blending well with ferns, sedges, and other woodland plants.

It is particularly well suited to moist woodland gardens, peat-rich soils, and wetland edges, where its subtle beauty and wildlife value can be appreciated.

Height: 1–3 meters

Habitat: Bogs, fens, wet forests, and sphagnum wetlands

Sun requirements: Part shade to full sun

Moisture requirements: Moist to wet

Soil requirements: Acidic, organic, peat-rich soils