Ilex opaca 'Chief Paduke'
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: American holly
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 15 to 30 feet
Spread: 8 to 20 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Description: Greenish-white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Evergreen
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Other: Winter Interest
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Air Pollution, Deer

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in locations protected from cold winter winds. Part afternoon shade best in hot summer climates. Avoid poorly drained soils. Prune in winter if needed. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants). For a female plant to bear fruit, a male pollinator is needed. 'Chief Paduke' is a female cultivar.

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Chief Paduke’ is a dense, upright American holly cultivar that typically grows to 7-8’ tall over the first 10 years, but over time may eventually grow to 20-30' tall. Greenish-white flowers appear in May and are generally inconspicuous. Leathery, elliptical, spiny, dark olive green leaves (2-4” long) are evergreen. Pollinated flowers give way to red/reddish-orange berries which ripen in fall and persist throughout the winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Species plants are native to the eastern and southeastern U. S. including Missouri. Opaca means opaque or dull, in reference to the non-lustrous leaf surfaces of species plants (some cultivars have more lustrous foliage). 'Chief Paduke' was reportedly discovered growing in Paduka, Kentucky.

Problems

Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).

Garden Uses

Specimen or small groups. Foundation plantings. Hedge. Foliage and fruit provide good color for the winter landscape, and cuttings of the same are popular additions to Christmas wreaths and other decorations.

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