The plant known as dwarf Burford holly, or Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana,' is a dwarf version of the plant called Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii.' Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii' is a cultivar of a parent plant species known as Ilex cornuta or Chinese holly. The original Chinese holly species is much larger than the dwarf Burford holly, often reaching about 25 feet tall. However, other characteristics and growth requirements are quite similar between these plants.