Ilex vomitoria --`Baby Jewel` Dwarf Yaupon

Abstract

A new and distinct yaupon holly plant (Ilex vomitoria) which is particularly distinguished by being of female gender, being dwarf, and having tolerances of high and low temperatures uncommon within the species. This plant matures into mounded specimens of high density due to its lack of terminal dominance and high level of natural branching with each growth flush. This plant is unusually easy to root from cuttings and begins forming a heavy crop of attractive red berries on market liners of small size, allowing the mature characteristics of the plant to be seen at a stage where the plant could be marketed as small specimens in retail outlets, a distinct advantage for plants of this market class.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinctly different variety of Ilex vomitoria plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by: a. having oval leaves with a length generally in the range of 11/4 to 15/8 inches long and 3/4 to 7/8 inches wide, with sinuate or wavy margins,   b. a globose fruit 1/4 to 5/16 inches in diameter produced in abundant quantities, and   c. a tolerance of temperatures which have raged from 110 degrees F. to minus 15 degrees F.