Ilex × attenuata 'Foster #2'
Common name: 
Foster's #2 Holly
Pronunciation: 
I-leks a-ten-u-AH-ta
Family: 
Aquifoliaceae
Genus: 
Ilex
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • A group of evergreen, interspecific holly hybrids between Ilex cassine × Ilex opaca were developed by E.E. Foster of Bessemer, Alabama, and are referred to as Foster #1 through #5. Apparently only 'Foster #2' and #3 are generally available today. They are both female plants and "are so similar in appearance as to be virtually indistinguishable" (Missouri Bot. Gar.).  'Foster #2' is widely available in the nursery trade.   This selection grows into a tree of 20-30 ft (6-9 m) high, with a dense, conical habit.  Leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple, elliptic to oblong-ovate, 1.5-7.5 cm long and about half as wide, spiny pointed and with 1-4 spiny teeth along the margin and glossy dark green.  Fruit is small, deep red and produced in abundance; it persists through winter.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 6
  • Oregon State Univ. campus: on 26th Street on the west side of an electrical substation just north of Ballard Extension Hall.
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  • plant habit, fruiting

    plant habit, fruiting

  • foliage and fruit

    foliage and fruit

  • leaves and fruit

    leaves and fruit

  • fruit and leaves

    fruit and leaves

  • fruiting branch

    fruiting branch

  • leaves

    leaves