Asprella Holly (Ilex asprella)

Family: Aquifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ilex asprella is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Hillsides, wild places, open woods or shrub thickets. Sparse forests on slopes, shrubby areas, roadsides at elevations of 400 - 1000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)