Mountain Holly

Nemopanthus mucronatus

Physical Characteristics

Nemopanthus mucronatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Ontario, south to Wisconsin, Indiana and Virginia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit[105, 161]. Quite bitter[257].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Tonic The root is diuretic[257]. An infusion of the grated root is used in the treatment of gravel[257]. A decoction of the small branches, reduced to a syrup, has been used as a tonic[257].

Known Hazards

None known