Question: I found this shrub/small tree in a moist woodland in Athens, Maine. I am stumped, although I feel I know …
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Question
I found this shrub/small tree in a moist woodland in Athens, Maine. I am stumped, although I feel I know what it is and am just having a numb spell.
Answer
Firstlight, the shrub you have photographed is likely Ilex mucronata (mountain-holly), a native species that can be relatively common in some wetlands and higher up in the mountains. The purple petioles (i.e., leaf stalks) are a good field character, as are the red fruits that will come later in the season. Best wishes.
