American Holly
$7.00
Ilex opaca
Description: This quite popular prickly evergreen tree grows slowly and dignified with grace. As it is a holly, they are dioecious with male and female plants; only the females bare bright red fruit. While used as hedge or privacy screen, it can be used as a specimen planting on lawns. However, it should be shielded from our cold desiccating winds. American Holly’s fruit tends to be ignored by wildlife until winter, when little else is around. In the Spring, it makes great cover and nesting places for songbirds. Warning: somewhat toxic if ingested, children are most vulnerable.
Habitat
Habitat and Wetland Indicator Status: Woodlands, woodland edges, old fields (FACU)
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Soil Type and Moisture: Moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Acid- based, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam. Dry to wet.
Characteristics
Bloom Color: Fruit are red
Bloom Period: March, April, May, June
Mature Height: 40 to 60 feet
Wildlife: Food source to pollinators. Attracts birds and butterflies. Host plant to Henry’s Elfin butterfly. Special value to honey bees.
Other Features: Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Shade Tolerant
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