USDA Plants Database
NWF Native Gardening and Invasive Plants Guide
American Holly
Ilex opaca (Aquifoliaceae
family)
American holly is one of the most majestic of our native trees. They are slow growing, but at maturity they typically reach a height of between 40 and 50 feet, and a spread of 15 to 40 feet.
Young American hollies are pyramid-shaped, but become broader with age. In ideal growing conditions an American holly can live up to a hundred years. The American holly is native from New England south to northern Florida and westward to Texas.
American hollies are naturally found in areas with moist acidic soil conditions, but have become popular as ornamental landscape plants, specimens, hedges, or screening plants.
The green foliage and bright red berries of the holly are synonymous with the Christmas season. The American holly's popularity for use in Christmas decorations prompted some states to put a ban on selling fresh wild holly branches in the early 20th century. This ban is still in effect in some areas.
American hollies can be planted in partial shade, but produce abundant fruit and more luxuriant foliage if planted in a sunny location. Their dense thick foliage provides great shelter and nest sites for birds and other small animals.
American hollies produce small white flowers in May followed by bright red berries from September through December. The berries are a great food source for squirrels, wild turkeys, deer, and many songbirds, especially American robins, cedar waxwings, and northern mockingbirds.
Insects, including bees, wasps, yellow jackets, ants, and night-flying moths pollinate them. The male and female flowers are on different plants; so one male holly should be planted for every six female plants.
An American holly would make a great long-lived addition to any landscape setting. There are many named cultivars of Ilex opaca available in the nursery trade, so check with your local Cooperative Extension Service or garden center to see which cultivars are best suited for your location.
