American Holly
Ilex opaca
- Plant family
- Aquifolicaeae
- Growing zone
- 5-9
- Height
- 40-50 ft.
Leaf type: Dark, evergreen leaves are 1-3 in. long with 7-8 sharp, spiny teeth along the margins of each side.
Bloom description: Male flowers have four white, rounded petals with dull white stamens. Females have small, green, rounded pistils and sterile stamens. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants.
Garden uses: This evergreen tree works well as a specimen plant or for a mass planting to use as a native privacy screen. Must use a male and a female plant in order to produce fruit. Prefers a site with an acidic, moist, well-drained soil in part-shade to full sun.
Wildlife benefits: Fruits are eaten by many gamebirds, fruit-eating songbirds, and small mammals.