Ilex vomitoria

Ilex vomitoria is a tree native throughout the southeast, largely restricted to the coastal plain or maritime. It is naturally found in dry, sandy forests. It is best cultivated in well drained moist soil, but it can tolerate both droughts and floods. It also tolerates any light condition, from deep shade to full sun. Ilex vomitoria is evergreen and suckers, so it is a good choice for planting a screen. It also responds well to pruning and can be treated as a topiary. It has small white flowers in the spring that attract many pollinators, and small red fruits in the winter that feed songbirds and small mammals. Ilex vomitoria would do well in restoration projects, and can also work in rain gardens.