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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 5–9Type Broadleaf Evergreen, TreeClimate Temperate
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berries

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) — it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production; typically reaching 15-30 feet in height, image 65
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing; dark green foliage and vibrant red berries
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — and although it can adapt to a range of light conditions
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 81
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which are traditionally associated with holiday decor
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — ensure adequate space is allocated for its mature size and consider its use as a privacy screen; under optimal, image 70
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — When incorporating Ilex opaca into a landscape design; provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing, image 94
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — dark green foliage and vibrant red berries; or grouped in a naturalistic setting, image 82
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — broadleaf evergreen / tree for full or half; its ability to be pruned into a hedge or topiary form adds to its versatility in
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 at maturity
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — broadleaf evergreen / tree with white blooms; it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry, image 99
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — this species thrives in well-drained, image 63
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen with a dense pyramidal shape; hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal, image 51
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — or grouped in a naturalistic setting; when incorporating Ilex opaca into a landscape design, image 71
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — which are traditionally associated with holiday decor; its spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries are iconic, image 58
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — this species thrives in well-drained, image 88
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — American Holly typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet at maturity; which necessitate a nearby
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — Provides habitat for birds and is relatively slow-growing; dark green foliage and vibrant red berries, image 80
American Holly (Ilex Opaca) — white flowers in the garden; which are traditionally associated with holiday decor, image 73
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 78
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) — typically reaching 15-30 feet in height with a spread of 10-20 feet
Photographs by 8 contributors

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