American Holly

Holly, American, Ilex opaca, is also called white holly or Christmas holly. The tree has been one of the most valuable and popular trees in the Eastern United States for its foliage and berries, Christmas decorations, and for ornamental plantings. It stays green year round. Like the southern pines, American holly is primarily a plant of the humid Southeast. American Holly is the only native North American holly that attains tree size, and although slow growing, it is well worth the wait. Growth is best on moist, slightly acid, well-drained sites such as upland pine sites and hammocks. The tree needs to be protected from drying winter sun and winds. Cross pollinate to get red, berry-like fruit.