Ilex opaca,
commonly called American holly, is an upright, pyramidal, evergreen tree that
slowly matures to 15-30′ in cultivation, but may reach 50′ tall in the wild. It
is native to the eastern and central U.S., most frequently found in moist
woods, forest bottomlands and swamp peripheries plus some coastal dunes (e.g.,
Cape Cod down the Atlantic Coast) from Massachusetts to West Virginia to Ohio
to southeastern Missouri south to Texas and Florida. This species is easily identified
because it is the only native U.S. holly with spiny green leaves and bright red
berries. This is the Christmas holly whose berry-laden boughs are typically
collected at Christmas time each year for ornamentation (“decking the
halls” as it were). Thick, leathery, deep green leaves (2-4″ long)
have spiny marginal teeth. Species is dioecious (male and female flowers are on
separate trees). Greenish-white flowers bloom May-June (male flowers in 3-12
flowered clusters and female flowers solitary or in 2s or 3s). Bright red or
orange fruits (drupes to 1/4- 1/2″ diameter) ripen in fall on pollinated
female trees, and persist on the tree through winter. Birds love the fruit. Specimen
or group. Foundation planting. Foliage provides excellent color for the winter
landscape, and cuttings of the same are popular additions to Christmas wreaths
and decorations. Berries are attractive and a good winter food source for
birds. Hedges. Woodland gardens. Easily grown in average, consistently moist,
acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Growing
Instructions for the American Holly
Kai (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
Daniel (verified owner) –
Very healthy seeds! Well worth it.
Matthew (verified owner) –
WOW!! Not one dud in the bunch!! Shortly after planting they started growing ! These are really great packet of seeds!!!
Kevin (verified owner) –
I would absolutely recommend this seed to anyone looking to grow veggies this year. I decided to do starts this year and just three days after planting
David (verified owner) –
Very healthy seeds! Well worth it.