NAME:
COMMON – American Holly
BOTANICAL – Ilex opaca
FAMILY – Aquifoliaceae

DERIVATION:
Central and southeastern United States

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
Grows slowly, ultimately reaching from 40 to 60 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide in an open conical to pyramidal shape with limbs all the way to the ground.

LOCATION:
Grows in moist, neutral to acidic soils in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate a range of soil textures, is moderately salt tolerant, and is highly deer resistant. It will tolerate occasionally wet or dry soil, but not flooding. For optimum growth, avoid poorly drained soils.

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
The evergreen leaves and fruits on female plants are fragrant, and make for beautiful color and interest in a winter garden. Branches from this species are often used in the creation of Christmas wreaths. The American holly tree grows slowly, ultimately reaching from 40 to 60 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide in an open conical to pyramidal shape with limbs all the way to the ground. It is ideal for privacy screens, barriers, and hedges.

.