| Common Name: |
American Holly |
| Scientific Name: |
Ilex opaca; syn.lex opaca var. opaca |
| Other Name(s): |
Aka Christmas Holly |
| Category: |
Tree |
| Habit: |
Evergreen |
| Bloom Color: |
White |
| Bloom Size: |
Under 1 in. |
| Bloom Season: |
Late spring or early summer |
| Fruit Description: |
Bright red or orange fruits (drupes to 1/4- 1/2 in. diameter) ripen in fall on pollinated female trees, and persist on the tree through winter. Birds love the fruit |
| Foliage Description: |
Thick, leathery, deep green leaves (2-4 in. long) have spiny marginal teeth |
| Height of Plant: |
15-30 ft. |
| Spread of Plant: |
10-20 ft. |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 5 - 9 |
| Light Requirements: |
Full sun to part shade |
| Water Usage: |
Medium |
| Soil Type: |
Well-drained soils |
| Soil pH: |
Acidic soil |
| Native Range: |
Eastern and central United States |
| Usage: |
Windbreak or Hedge |
| Maintenance: |
Low |
| Other Information: |
American Holly is dioecious - male flowers and female flowers occur on separate plants |
| Photographer: |
Jon Wooten |
| Location: |
Native Plant Garden |