Ilex mucronata - Shrub - Mountain Holly, Swamp Holly Page

Discover Ilex mucronata, also known as Mountain Holly, Swamp Holly or Catberry, a beautiful wetland native shrub that flourishes in the swamps, bogs, and water edges of the northeastern US. Unlike the winterberry, its more common relative, the radiant red berries of this shrub rarely last into winter, making them a unique delight. Boasting flowers and berries that each dangle from a 1-inch stalk, this deciduous shrub can spread by root suckers to form upright, multi-branching thickets ranging between 3 and 15 feet high. It serves as an attractive addition to pond edges and wet, shaded borders. Interestingly, male and female flowers are usually found on separate plants, yet some will grow both. All flowers are around 1/4 inch in diameter and display delicate, separated, pale yellow petals that elegantly curl up at the tips. The male flowers are adorned with stamens that alternate with petals, tipped yellow, whilst the female flowers boast a striking green ovary with a curly cap of yellowish-green stigmas. These flowers emerge alongside the leaves from the leaf axils of new year's growth. The bright red berry, a feast for the eyes and the birds, grows on a fine, hairless 1-inch stalk and contains several small nutlets. It's no surprise that fruits scarcely linger on the plants after ripening due to their popularity among birds. Embellish your garden with this spectacular shrub and enjoy the stunning display of its flowers and berries!