Horned Holly, Chinese holly

Ilex cornuta

Physical Characteristics

Ilex cornuta is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - E. China, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: The fruit is thin-skinned with a sweet taste[178]. Is this report suggesting that it is edible?[K].The fruit is about 8 - 10mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Carminative Contraceptive Febrifuge Tonic The whole plant is abortifacient, carminative, contraceptive, febrifuge and tonic[147, 178]. It particularly strengthens the back and knees[147]. The leaf is made into a tea which is said to be contraceptive if used by women and is also used for termination pregnancies[218]. The stem bark is tonic[218]. The whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, recurring fever in pulmonary tuberculosis, tubercular lymph nodes, joint pained and lumbago[147, 218].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274].