Quailberry Crossopetalum illicifolium

Here is quailberry (which some sources list as christmasberry). With its tough, spiny leaves, it resembles the American holly (Ilex opaca) that is used in making wreaths. Even though it's in a different plant family than the holly, a sprig of quailberry is appropriate anytime as a desktop accent, right next to your lucky bamboo, and the pictures of the kids. All you need to do is go out in your yard and snip off a few cuttings.

Quailberry is a prostrate-growing shrub, best used as a border plant, especially over rocks. It generally stays under 24" in height and readily spreads over well-drained terrain in full or partial sun. Don't bother to water it once it's established.