Organic Forest Plants & More

American Holly (Ilex opaca Ait.)

Trees and Shrubs

Zones

: 5 - 9

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Tree / Shrub

Mature Size: Height: 30 - 60 ft (occasionally 100 ft)

Flowers: April - June

Fruit: September - October (lasts through winter)

Common alternate names for American Holly: NA

Scientific name for American Holly: Ilex opaca Aiton

Planting Information: American holly grows from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, and is adapted to a wide range of site conditions. It grows best on well drained, sandy soils, but will tolerate those which are somewhat poorly drained. This small tree has good shade tolerance, but does well in direct sun.

Colors: Leaves: evergreen. Flowers: greenish white. Fruit: bright red (rarely orange or yellow).

Edible - food uses of American Holly: NA

Healing medicinal qualities of American Holly: NA

Other uses for American Holly:

The wood is used for various kinds of interior-finishing uses, and for inlays for joiner-cabinet work.

Wildlife:

Berries are eaten by deer, songbirds, and wild turkeys. The dense foliage also provides cover and nesting habitat for various songbirds.

General description and characteristics of American Holly:

Attractive evergreen foliage and the bright red fruit of this tree make it a very popular for landscaping.  Holly can be shaped into an attractive hedge row.

The same attributes that make the holly a desirable ornamental make it one of the most sought after greens for Christmas decoration. The firm bright red berries are consumed by white-tail deer and 18 species of birds. The dense foliage also provides cover and nesting habitat for various songbirds.

American holly normally grows to heights of 15 to 30 feet tall, but records indicate mature heights of up to 100 feet.

It grows best on well drained, sandy soils, but will tolerate those which are somewhat poorly drained. This small tree has good shade tolerance, but does well in direct sun. Holly plants prefer partial shade, with some full sun exposure during the day.

When establishing American holly, it is important to plant males as well as females if berry production is desired.