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American Holly
American Holly
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Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf'
American Holly
The American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a native evergreen icon, known for its classic holiday appeal, striking red berries, and dense green foliage. As one of the few broadleaf evergreens native to North America, this bare root variety brings timeless beauty, ecological value, and natural resilience to any landscape.
With its pyramidal form, glossy leaves, and wildlife-friendly fruit, the American Holly makes a superb privacy screen, ornamental focal point, or woodland companion. Strong, shade-tolerant, and long-lived—it’s a patriotic powerhouse of structure and sustainability.
American Holly (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Ilex opaca |
| 🏷️ Common Names | American Holly, Native Holly, Christmas Holly |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 15–30 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 10–20 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (6–12 inches per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 75–100+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to full shade (more berries in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Acidic to slightly neutral (5.0–6.5) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Deep green (evergreen year-round) |
| 🍒 Berry Color | Bright red (fall through winter) |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Birds, pollinators, small mammals |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Dense, upright pyramidal form |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | No – requires a male pollinator nearby for berries |
| ↔️ Spacing | 6–10 ft for screens; 10–20 ft for standalone |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Privacy screens, woodland borders, foundation plantings |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌎 Supports local wildlife and native ecosystems
🐦 Provides shelter and winter berries for birds and small animals
🌳 Functions as a year-round windbreak and privacy screen
🌿 Grows in shaded or wooded areas where other evergreens may struggle
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 Native species with ecological benefits | 🌸 Requires both male and female plants for berry production |
| 🌿 Evergreen structure adds year-round interest | 📈 Slower growth rate compared to hybrid varieties |
| 🍒 Beautiful berries and glossy foliage | ✂️ May require pruning for shape if space is limited |
| 🌞 Tolerates sun, shade, and tough soils | 🌱 Young plants need protection from drought and deer |
| 🐦 Excellent habitat and food source for birds | ⚠️ Not ideal for tight planting spaces due to wide spread |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak roots for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig hole 2× wider than root system; keep crown level with soil
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around base to retain moisture
💦 Water regularly the first year; reduce as plant matures
✂️ Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or remove damaged branches
🧪 Fertilize annually with acid-loving evergreen blend in early spring
The American Holly (Bare Root) is a majestic, slow-growing evergreen that offers generational beauty, native resilience, and unmatched habitat value. Perfect for naturalizing, screening, or simply adding a touch of red-berried charm to your yard, this heritage shrub is a foundational favorite.
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