Ilex

Ilex, also called Holly or Winterberry, is a genus includes some 350 plant species and is best known for its spiny, evergreen forms with red berries. There are also deciduous selections. All are popular landscape plants whose berries often persist well into winter, and are especially striking against the snow.

Only the female Ilex plants produce berries: Many gardeners prefer to give the females a prominent spot and tuck the male plant (which is necessary for pollination) in a less obvious one. A male plant can be up to 40′ from the female without reducing fruit set.