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(Ilex opaca)
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
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Edward Ricemeyer
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Edward Ricemeyer
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Edward Ricemeyer | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: esrice | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ilex opaca, commonly known as American Holly, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the understory of deciduous forests, pine barrens, and other wooded areas in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to 10–20 meters (33–66 feet) in height and up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm (20 inches). The bark is light gray and roughened with small warty lumps. Branchlets are initially stout and green with rusty down, becoming smooth and brown as they mature. Winter buds are brown and either blunt or pointed. The small, greenish-white flowers bloom in late spring, arranged in short pedunculate cymes from the axils of young leaves or along the base of young branches.
American Holly is valued for its glossy, dark green foliage and bright red berries, which persist into winter and provide visual interest as well as food for birds. It is used as a specimen plant, in hedges, and for screening, and is particularly popular for its association with Christmas. American Holly prefers full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. It is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in slightly acidic conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf miner and scale insects. Cultivars such as ’East Palatka’ and ’Savannah’ offer variations in form and berry production.CC BY-SA 4.0
American Holly is valued for its glossy, dark green foliage and bright red berries, which persist into winter and provide visual interest as well as food for birds. It is used as a specimen plant, in hedges, and for screening, and is particularly popular for its association with Christmas. American Holly prefers full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. It is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in slightly acidic conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf miner and scale insects. Cultivars such as ’East Palatka’ and ’Savannah’ offer variations in form and berry production.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 15-30 feet
- Width: 10-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Understory of deciduous forests, pine barrens, and other wooded areas
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Ilex opaca, Ilex opaca f. xanthocarpa, Ilex americana, Ilex opaca f. subintegra, Ilex quercifolia, Ilex opaca var. subintegra, Ilex laxiflora, Ilex serrata f. xanthocarpa, Ageria opaca
GBIF Accepted Name: Ilex opaca Sol. ex Aiton