Protected Series:
Zone: 5
FEMALE AMERICAN TREE HOLLY
Ilex opaca, (Female American Holly), is the classic "Christmas Holly" cherished for its prolific display of glossy, bright red berries against a backdrop of spiny, deep green evergreen leaves. Unlike the male cultivars, the female is the fruit-bearer of the species, providing a critical winter food source for birds and stunning visual interest in the snowy months. It grows into a stately, dense pyramidal tree that can reach heights of 30 to 50 feet, making it an ideal choice for a majestic specimen tree or a heavy-duty privacy screen. Its leathery foliage and rugged bark offer year-round structure and texture, serving as a cornerstone of the traditional American woodland garden.
American Holly thrives is a location with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining, acidic soil. While she can tolerate some shade, more sunlight typically results in a denser habit and a more abundant harvest of red fruit. Crucially, a female tree requires a male American Holly planted within roughly 50 feet to ensure cross-pollination. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water collects or in spots exposed to harsh, drying winter winds, which can cause leaf "bronzing."
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Water thoroughly after planting, and maintain consistent moisture levels. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune to maintain desired shape and promote healthy growth.
Available cultivars in this genus:
