Japanese holly

Ilex crenata Thunb.

Family: AquifoliaceaeZones: 5 to 8 per NC State

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

fruits

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

mild poisoning

Hazard route

Eating the black berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea or other illness.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists American holly and English holly as toxic to pets, and that verdict is carried across the holly genus (Ilex) to this plant. Treat it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8 per NC State
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Mature size: height: 5 to 10 ft (1.5 to 3 m); width: 5 to 8 ft (1.5 to 2.4 m); scope: species; many varieties stay 3 to 4 ft tall
Where it comes from: Japan and East Asia, including Korea, China, Taiwan and the eastern Himalaya. Planted in the United States.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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