Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Ilex Vomitoria

Size:

20'-25' tall by 10' wide

Leaves:

alternate, simple, 1"-2" long, eliiptical with round-toothed margins; dark green and shiny above, pale beneath

Flowers:

white, 3/16" wide, in clusters; April-May

Fruit:

1/4" scarlet berry-like fruit (called a drupe), abundant, persisting into winter; October-November

Fall Interest:

broadleaf evergreen

Culture:

sun to partial sun; adaptable

Disease/Insect:

Use:

excellent ornamental because of evergreen leaves and attractive fruit, for hedge, screen, specimen, topiary

Cultivars:

Notes:

distinguished by shiny red fruits and gray stems; being the only plant native to North America that contains caffeine, the leaves were used by Native Americans for a ceremonial drink which taken in enough quantity caused vomiting, hence the name; native to Arkansas or at least introduced here by Native Americans