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 |
Current inventory will be listed above this line. This plant will not be in the cart if there is no Galena stock listed. Contact Sales Rep for details. | Click for Availability column key & information.
To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in fertile, acidic, and well-draining soil, selecting a location that ranges from full sun to partial shade depending on the specific cultivar. These versatile shrubs generally prefer consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season to establish strong root systems, and they benefit from protection against harsh, drying winds. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood or to shape the plant, which encourages dense, healthy foliage and helps maintain a manageable size. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity, taking care to keep the material a few inches away from the crown to prevent stem rot.
AVAILABLE VARIETIES:
★ ON SALE ★
