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Ilex opaca (American holly)

Ilex opaca Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ilex opaca EYE-leks oh-PAK-ah Common Name: American holly Genus: Ilex
This erect, evergreen large shrub or tree reaches 40 to 50 feet in height and 20 to 40 feet wide. Leathery dark green leaves have pointy, scalloped edges. Small green berries appear in late summer, maturing to crimson by autumn and persisting through the winter. Some ripen to yellow or orange. Use American holly as a specimen tree or in a woodland garden.
 Care: Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Hollies are dioecius, so a few male plants are needed for a female plant to produce berries. Can be kept shrub-like by pruning in the spring. Plant or transplant in spring.
 Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or early autumn.
 Problems: Young shoots are susceptible to aphids. Also watch for scale insects and leaf miners. Phytophtora root rot sometimes occurs.
Height Over 30 ft.
Spread Over 30 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Native; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Foliage Color Evergreen
Uses Hedge, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Trees

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