Ilex pedunculosa

Physical Characteristics

Ilex pedunculosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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).. 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 - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[177, 178]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Carminative Skin Tonic Carminative, skin, tonic[178].

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].