Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

American Holly

Ilex opaca
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Green

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

15 to
30
feet

Spread:

10 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
30
feet
Spread: 10 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
30
feet
Spread: 10 to
20
feet
Typical Landscape 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.
Establishment and Care Instructions
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.
Special Features
Evergreen
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description

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.

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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