Japanese holly; Ilex crenata
An evergreen shrub native to Japan, often used in hedges and topiary.
We use Japanese holly for the hedge in our garden.
イヌツゲは小さな白い花を咲かせます。
Japanese holly produces small white flowers.
Katakana spelling is common for plant names; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also acceptable.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant is normally written in kana.
The name イヌツゲ literally means 'dog boxwood', but the exact origin of the name is uncertain; it may refer to its resemblance to boxwood (ツゲ) while being considered inferior or less useful.