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Plant Fact Sheet and leathery in texture, The evergreen foliage is stiff AMERICAN HOLLY with large, remotely spined teeth. The leaves are arranged alternately. They are 2 to 4 inches long, Ilex opaca Ait. satin green and smooth above, and yellowish-green Plant Symbol = ILOP below. Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Small, axillary, greenish-white flowers bloom from Program April to June. Like most others in the holly genus, American holly is dioecious. Pistillate flowers emerge in small clusters from one plant, while staminate flower clusters develop on another. Newly established plants will not flower for 4 to 7 years; prior to flowering there is no practical means of determining the gender of a plant. Bright red, rarely orange or yellow, globular fruit mature from September to October, but may be retained on the plant into the following spring. The berry-like fruit is about 1/3 inch in diameter, and contains 4 to 9 small nutlets. There are an average of 28,430 seeds per pound. © William S. Justice Adaptation and Distribution Smithsonian Institution @ USDA NRCS PLANTS American holly grows from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, and is adapted to a wide Uses range of site conditions. It grows best on well The attractive evergreen foliage and bright red fruit drained, sandy soils, but will tolerate those which are of this small tree make it a very popular for somewhat poorly drained. This small tree has good landscaping. The same attributes that allow this tree shade tolerance, but does well in direct sun. to be a desirable ornamental make it one of the most Although this species is often found growing on sought after greens for Christmas decoration. The coastal sand dunes, it is not very salt spray tolerant. firm bright red berries are consumed by white-tail deer and 18 species of birds. The dense foliage also For a current distribution map, please consult the provides cover and nesting habitat for various Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS songbirds. Website. Status Establishment Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Utilize standard tree and shrub planting procedures to Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s establish containerized or balled and burlapped current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, plants. Bare rooted transplants usually have marginal state noxious status, and wetland indicator values). success. Description When establishing American holly, it is important to American holly normally grows to heights of 15 to 30 plant males as well as females if berry production is feet tall, but records indicate mature heights of up to desired. In a nursery situation the gender ratio should 100 feet. On the poor soils of coastal beaches, this be 1:10, males to females. Establish American holly holly may never exceed shrub size. The bark of it is only where surrounding vegetation or physical smooth, and grayish to grayish-brown. The dense barriers protect the plants from harsh winds. Holly branches of this holly grow nearly horizontal in a plants prefer partial shade, with some full sun spreading crown, which takes on a pyramidal exposure during the day. silhouette. Plant Materials <http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/> Plant Fact Sheet/Guide Coordination Page <http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/pfs.html> National Plant Data Center <http://npdc.usda.gov>