Ilex opaca (American Holly)
American Holly is a mid-sized understory tree wonderful for both landscaping and native plantings. Distinctly pyramidal in youth, it will grow into an open and irregular shaped tree about 40-50 feet in height.
Beautiful dark evergreen foliage year round. Shiny red fruits on female plants. Sprigs of American Holly are often used as decorations around the holidays. Look closely and you’ll see handsome gray bark, especially on older limbed-up specimens.
American Holly prefers moist, well drained soil. Fairly adaptable but should be protected from wind. Slow growth rate but well worth the wait. Full sun or part shade, but plant in the sun for denser growth. Plant 1 male tree for every 2-3 female trees. Best to purchase about 5-6 and mass together to ensure great fruiting.