Herb: Mountain Holly


Latin name: Nemopanthus mucronatus


Synonyms: Ilex canadensis, Nemopanthus canadensis, Vaccinium mucronatum


Family: Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)



Medicinal use of Mountain Holly:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Damp woods, thickets and swamps.

Edible parts of Mountain Holly:

Fruit. Quite bitter.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up. Layering in October. Takes 2 years.

Cultivation of Mountain Holly:

Damp woods, thickets and swamps.

Known hazards of Nemopanthus mucronatus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.