Protected Series:
Zone: 5FEMALE 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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KEY:
con = containers - available now
Galena (Ready to Go!) Plants that are above ground and available now
Additional (More Plants!) Plants are not in Galena, but in a remote location which is easily accessible. Call your rep for info. They will not be in the Shop.
Dig (In-Ground Field) Plants are still in the ground. Please call your sales rep to place a Dig Order. They will not be in the Shop.
Soon (Coming Soon) Plants are not quite ready but coming soon. Call your rep to inquire. They will not be in the Shop.
(BBnPOT - formerly known as GRSTART - are B&B put into a container - they are available now)
Available cultivars in this genus:
