Discover the charm of Ilex montana, also known as Mountain Holly or Mountain Winterberry, a captivating addition to your landscape. This deciduous tree or shrub, belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family, thrives in the mesic forests of the Appalachian Mountains from New York to Georgia, and is notably found in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. Standing tall at 20 to 40 feet, Mountain Holly showcases its larger-than-life attributes with broad spineless leaves and vibrant red berries, providing winter interest and a feast for birds and small mammals. This dioecious plant requires both male and female specimens to produce its iconic berries, often lingering into mid-winter. Enjoy its aesthetics with the striking contrast of reddish-brown bark and foliage that turns a vivid yellow in autumn. Ideal for naturalized and pollinator gardens, it flourishes in average, moist, well-drained acidic soils under sun to partial shade. Hardy and long-lived, Mountain Holly is perfect for those seeking to enhance their garden with native allure and ecological benefits.
