Membership

Ilex opaca

Evergreen tree with a narrow, pyramidal crown and dark green leaves. Female plants produce red berries which ripen in October and persist throughout the winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Winter birds, especially mockingbirds, eat berries.

Native Environment

Forest

Culture

Plant in moist, loose, well-drained soil. Does not tolerate poor drainage or dry, windy sites. Plants are male or female. Place one male for every three females within 200' of each other to insure pollination and fruit set.

Use

Plant as a specimen or in groups. Birds use the plants for cover and nesting and eat the fruit. Foliage and red berries provide excellent winter color. Berried branches can be used in winter wreaths.

Native Environment

Forest

Height

15 to 30 feet

Spread

10 to 20 feet

Plant Type

Trees

Color

Green

Fall Color

Green

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Medium Sun/Average Shade

Season of Interest

Mid (May - June)

Late (July - frost)

Winter (Nov - Mar)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

Wildlife Benefit

Cover

Food/Birds

Nature Attracting

Songbird

Special Features

Evergreen

Ornamental Fruits/Pods/Seed Heads

Special Usage

Fresh Cut Flower