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American holly

American holly

Ilex opaca

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 5a – Zone 9b

American holly is a native evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark-green foliage and bright red berries that persist through winter. Female plants produce abundant berries when pollinated by a male plant nearby.

Overview

Form
Pyramidal
Growth Rate
slow
Size
5–40′ tall × 3–10′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

moderate

Flood Tolerance

low
Zone 5aZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 5a to Zone 9b

pH Range

4.57
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 4.5 to 7

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

FallWinter

Succession Role

early successionalmid successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern United States

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Function & Care

wildlife benefithedgerowwindbreak

Establishment & Care

Establishment
moderate
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting