Description
Nemopanthus – Mountain Holly –
There are 2 species of deciduous shrubs in this genus. They occur from moist woods and swamps of Central and Eastern North America. They produce alternate, oblong-ovate, smooth or slightly toothed leaves, and 4 or 5 separate petals and much reduced calyces (distinct from holly). It is grown for its autumn color and attractive rounded, red fruit. Grow N. mucronatus in a shrub border or woodland garden.
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun to light, dappled shade.
Prone to powdery mildew and tar spot.
N. mucronatus – Catberry – This stoloniferous shrub found from Minnesota to Newfoundland south to Indiana and Virginia grows 10′ feet tall and 5′ feet wide. From purplish young branches which mature to ash-gray, carries thin, oblong-ovate, bluish green leaves, to 1 ½” long, turning yellow in autumn. In summer it bears green-yellow flowers, to 1 ½” across, followed by spherical, dark red fruit, to ½” in diameter.
Zones 5-8
