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American Holly

Ilex Opaca

Design with this plant

Overview

American Holly (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen with a dense pyramidal shape, typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feet. Its spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries are iconic, thriving in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal pruning and offers excellent privacy or as a focal specimen. Provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–9Climate Temperate
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen with a dense pyramidal shape
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — is a regal evergreen tree revered for its glossyAmerican Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growingAmerican Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berriesAmerican Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen with a dense pyramidal shapeAmerican Holly (Ilex Opaca) — typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feetAmerican Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Its spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries are iconic, thriving in well-drained, slightly acidic soil+94

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Mature height
15–30 Ft.
Mature width
10–20 Ft.

Classification

Family
Aquifoliaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (101)

American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal pruning and offers excellent privacy or as a focal specimen
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — is a regal evergreen tree revered for its glossy
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berries
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen with a dense pyramidal shape
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feet
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Its spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries are iconic, thriving in well-drained, slightly acidic soil
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — but it can soar even taller
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — this species thrives in well-drained
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which are traditionally associated with holiday decor
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet at maturity
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — under optimal conditions.<br><br>Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Growing at a moderate pace
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which necessitate a nearby male pollinator.<br><br>Offering shelter and food for wildlife
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — It should be noted that American Holly is dioecious
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — and although it can adapt to a range of light conditions
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — ensure adequate space is allocated for its mature size and consider its use as a privacy screen
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Its ability to be pruned into a hedge or topiary form adds to its versatility in garden design
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — or grouped in a naturalistic setting
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — When incorporating Ilex opaca into a landscape design
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — it is as ecologically beneficial as it is aesthetically pleasing
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — broadleaf evergreen / tree for full or half
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feet; but it can soar even taller

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