Ilex godajam, commonly known as Japanese Holly or Box-leaved Holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to forest margins, coastal areas, and mountain slopes in Japan and Korea. It grows at a moderate rate to a typical height of 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) and a similar spread, although it can reach up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in its natural habitat. This plant features small, glossy, dark green leaves with crenate margins, resembling those of boxwood, which makes it a popular boxwood substitute. The tiny white flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, are somewhat inconspicuous but are followed by small black berries that can be attractive to birds.

Japanese Holly is valued for its dense, compact growth habit and its ability to be pruned into various shapes, making it ideal for use in formal gardens, hedges, and topiary. It is also planted in foundation plantings and as a low-maintenance ground cover. This species is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers a site with full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet.CC BY-SA 4.0