An evergreen tree 30 to 40 ft high in Japan, about half as high at present in this country, pyramidal when young; young shoots angled, glabrous. Leaves obovate or oval, 11⁄2 to 4 in. long, 3⁄4 to 11⁄4 in. wide, tapered more gradually, to the stalk than to the blunt apex, margin quite devoid of teeth or spines, dark glossy green; stalk 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in. long. Fruits deep red, globose, nearly 1⁄2 in. in diameter.
Native of Japan, Korea, and possibly of Formosa; introduced in 1864. This is distinct from the large-leaved hollies in the entire absence of spines on the leaves of either old or young plants. It is a handsome evergreen, slightly tender when raised from seed the first one or two winters, but perfectly hardy afterwards. A form with yellow fruits is cultivated in Japan.
var. leucoclada Maxim. I. leucoclada (Maxim.) Mak. – This variety occurs at higher altitudes than the type and is shrubby. The leaves are larger (up to 6 in. long) and somewhat thinner.