A common large shrub or small tree of the Mountains and upper Piedmont.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

Leaf undersides.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

The leaves are borne on short spur branches.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

Mountain Holly's deciduous leaves are larger than the other hollies in its range. A similar species in the lower Piedmont and Coastal Plain is Carolina Holly (Ilex ambigua).

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/05.

The drupes are bright red and last through the winter, giving it another common name: Mountain Winterberry.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/05.

Bark of a small trunk.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/05.

Bark of a large trunk, with lichens.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/05.

Bark of a larger tree.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.