This broadleaf evergreen tree is most well known for its Christmas-themed leaves and berries, yet it provides beautiful color and interest in every season of the year. Both the leathery, deep green leaves (opaca refers to the dull, dark, or opaque leaf surface) and conical, orange/red berries are fragrant and showy, and tan and red lichens form unique patterns on the gray-white bark.
American holly is found growing as an understory tree or shrub in the central and southeastern United States. Its ideal conditions are moist, neutral to acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to partial or full shade, although in deep shade it will have slower growth, sparser foliage, and fewer flowers and berries. Siting it in a spot with afternoon shade will help avoid scorched leaves. The tree adapts to a range of soil textures and withstands occasional dry or wet conditions, but it will not tolerate flooding. It needs room to spread, because it will eventually reach 40 to 60 feet in height with a spreading, pyramidal shape and limbs all the way to the ground. Its generous shape and copious foliage is welcome habitat for wildlife. The nectar of the white flowers attracts early-season pollinators, and many species of birds and wildlife feed on the berries.
Native habitats include moist, deciduous forests. Ideal as a specimen; privacy screen; barrier; hedge; or when used in butterfly, pollinator, native, or children’s gardens. Branches from this species are often used to make Christmas wreaths.
Note: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 40-60' tall and 10-20' wide.
Grows in full or part sun with at least 4-6 hours of light. Tolerates deep shade with less flowering/fruits.
Prefers moist, neutral to acidic, well-drained soils. Adapts to a wide range of soil textures and is moderately salt tolerant. Tolerates occasionally wet or dry conditions, but not flooding. Intolerant of limestone soils.
White flowers bloom between April and June. Bright red or orange berry-like drupes appear on female plants after proper pollination. Persist on tree from September through February.
Alternate, simple leaves are 2-4" long and oblong to elliptic with spiny marginal teeth. For a couple of weeks each spring, the tree goes through a normal process of shedding older leaves that have turned yellow.
Smooth, light gray bark may be warty or splotched with red or tan lichens.
Reproductive System: Dioecious (female and male parts occur on separate plants). Only female trees produce fruits and must have a male tree nearby to be pollinated.
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 39 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including specialist black-dotted ruddy moth, paw-paw and laurel sphinxes, and polyphemus moth. Provides cover and food for song and game birds, small mammals, bees, and butterflies. Highly deer resistant.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The Cherokee and other Native Americans used the plant to treat eye and skin issues, and the berries were chewed as a gastrointestinal aid.
The wood was used to make crafts and tools, and the berries were used for making a dye.
Caution: the leaves and berries are mildly toxic when consumed in larger amounts. Avoid consumption.
Resources:
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-opaca/
Pryor's Nursery: https://tinyurl.com/2jrhx4f7
Maryland.gov: https://tinyurl.com/3hr5njby
National Wildlife Fed: https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Plants/1722