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American Holly

Ilex Opaca

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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 5–9Type Broadleaf Evergreen, TreeClimate Temperate
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berries
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal pruning and offers excellent privacy or as a focal specimen; broadleaf, image 54American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Growing at a moderate pace; american Holly typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet, image 59American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which necessitate a nearby male pollinator.<br><br>Offering shelter and food for wildlifeAmerican Holly (Ilex Opaca) — and although it can adapt to a range of light conditions; ensure adequate space is allocated for its mature size and, image 89American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — white flowers in the garden; which are traditionally associated with holiday decor, image 98American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — it is as ecologically beneficial as it is aesthetically pleasing; white flowers in the garden+114

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

Type
Broadleaf Evergreen, Tree
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (121)

American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berries
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal pruning and offers excellent privacy or as a focal specimen; broadleaf, image 54
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Growing at a moderate pace; american Holly typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet, image 59
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which necessitate a nearby male pollinator.<br><br>Offering shelter and food for wildlife
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — and although it can adapt to a range of light conditions; ensure adequate space is allocated for its mature size and, image 89
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — white flowers in the garden; which are traditionally associated with holiday decor, image 98
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — it is as ecologically beneficial as it is aesthetically pleasing; white flowers in the garden
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen with a dense pyramidal shape; hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal pruning and
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berries; or grouped in a naturalistic setting, image 57
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which are traditionally associated with holiday decor; its spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries are iconic, image 83
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, image 72
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; ensure adequate space is allocated for its mature size and, image 64
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — or grouped in a naturalistic setting; when incorporating Ilex opaca into a landscape design
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — is a regal evergreen tree revered for its glossy; and although it can adapt to a range of light conditions, image 56
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — but it can soar even taller
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — It should be noted that American Holly is dioecious; growing at a moderate pace
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — broadleaf evergreen / tree with white blooms; it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feet; but it can soar even taller
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — this species thrives in well-drained, image 38
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production; typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — When incorporating Ilex opaca into a landscape design; provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Its spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries are iconic, thriving in well-drained, slightly acidic soil; it is, image 53
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which necessitate a nearby male pollinator.<br><br>Offering shelter and food for wildlife; it should be noted that, image 92
Photographs by 10 contributors

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