Ilex x attenuata Fosteri
History: In the early 1940's, E.E. Foster, from Bessemer Alabama, had gathered seed from female dahoon hollies (Ilex cassine) that happened to be growing next to some male American hollies (Ilex opaca) in his nursery.
Curious to see what this cross would produce, he grew hundreds of seedling, then selected the best of the lot. Five seedling passed inspection and became know as Foster hollies. Foster distributed cuttings of his hollies to nurserymen and horticulturists to grow and evaluate. #2 seedling was superior.
Photos of Foster Hollies are courtesy of Toms Creek Nursery in Denton, NC
| Ornamental Characteristics |
| Category |
Tree |
| Foliage Type |
Evergreen |
| Height |
20' - 30' |
| Spread |
15' - 20' |
| Shape |
Pyramidal |
| Primary Foliage Color |
(Glossy) Dark Olive Green |
| Seasonal Foilage Color |
(Glossy) Dark Olive Green |
| Flowering Season |
Spring (self-pollinating) |
| Flower Color |
Insignificant |
| Berries |
Red |
|
|
| Environmental Characteristics |
| Growth Rate |
Moderate |
| Sun Preferences |
Full Sun |
| Water Preferences |
Average: Ensure planting area provides adequate drainage.
|
| Cold Hardiness Zone: 6-9 |
