Form: This is an evergreen shrub species.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: Alternate, simple

Shape: oblanceolate

Margin: entire

Texture: glaucous above, glabrous below

Venation: parallel

Bark: It has thin gray-brown bark.

Twigs and buds: Slender twigs have brown pubescence.

Flowers and fruit: Grayish berries are retained along stems. The fruit is wax coated.

Distinguishing characteristics: This is an evergreen that is typically smaller than American holly. Look for the persistent berries and the lanceolate leaf shape with the spinose margin.

Range: New Jersey south to Florida west to east Texas, along the coastal plain

Silvics: It is shade tolerant.

Ecological and cultural importance: Provides year round cover for wildlife and a variety of birds eat the berries.