Ilex pedunculosa tree

Ilex pedunculosa fruit and leaves

Ilex pedunculosa
longstalk holly

Scientific Name
Ilex pedunculosa
Common Name
Longstalk holly, soyogo

NATIVE RANGE AND HABITAT
Longstalk holly is native to Kyushu and Honshu, Japan, central and eastern People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Korea.

CONSERVATION INFORMATION
Not native to Kentucky

DESCRIPTION
Growth Habit and Form
Longstalk holly is an evergreen, large shrub or small tree that will grow to 15 feet in height and spread in cultivation. Its moderately dense habit varies from narrow columnar to rounded and irregular. Branches will remain on the lower portion of the trunk forming a nice pyramidal silhouette on some specimens. Others may have to be pruned in order to maintain a uniform shape.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, simple, evergreen, and ovate or elliptic in shape with smooth, undulating margins and a tapering tip. Leaves are lustrous dark green in summer and develop a yellow-green cast during the winter. The dense habit is due to the persistent leaves, which remain on the tree for 2 or 3 years.
Flowers
Inconspicuous, white flowers grow on current season’s growth. Male flowers are borne in clusters whereas female flowers are usually solitary.
Fruit
Longstalk holly is popular for its attractive red pendulous fruits. Berry-like, ¼- to 1/3-inch diameter, rounded drupes are cherry red and cherrylike borne singly on slender stalks up to 2 inches long. Fruits mature in October and persist into November. A male plant of the same species must be nearby in order to ensure fruit set. Birds relish the fruits.
Bark
Bark is greenish gray and smooth.
Wild and Cultivated Varieties
‘Vleck’ is described by authorities as being particularly hardy.

HORTICULTURE
Landscape Use
Longstalk holly is one of the hardiest evergreen red-fruiting hollies. Use in groupings, in borders, near a deck or patio, or as a specimen.
Hardiness Zone
Hardy in USDA Zone 5 to 7.
Growth Rate
Slow to medium
Cultivation and Propagation Information
Plants are best located in a sunny spot in soil that drains well. Longstalk holly can withstand exposure to wind, even in the winter. It appears to be one of the most cold-tolerant hollies. Propagate by seed and stem cuttings.
Diseases and Insects
Although few problems are reported on this plant, it has not been widely grown or tested.
Wildlife Considerations
Wildlife enjoys the fruit.
Maintenance Practices
Longstalk holly needs minimal maintenance.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN USES
Longstalk holly is a common tree in gardens in Japan and China. The foliage is used in decorations.

Charles S. Sargent introduced longstalk holly from Japan to the Arnold Arboretum in 1893 and later by E.H. Wilson from China.