Ilex opaca
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Tried and True Recommended by 5 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: American holly
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Eastern and central United States
Garden Location: Lang Family Bird Garden, Spoehrer Children's Garden
Height: 15 to 30 feet
Spread: 10 to 20 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Description: Creamy white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Evergreen
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Other: Winter Interest, Has Thorns
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Air Pollution, Deer

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in locations protected from cold winter winds. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants). For females to bear fruit, a male pollinator is needed. Plant, within 200' of each other, one male for every three females to insure that good pollination will take place.

Noteworthy Characteristics

American holly is a Missouri native, evergreen tree with a narrow, pyramidal crown. Grows slowly to 15-30' tall in cultivation, but may reach 50' tall in the wild. Occurs in both sandy soils and in deep, moist bottomland soils in Southeastern Missouri. Features spiny-toothed, elliptical, dull green leaves (2-4" long) which are evergreen. The greenish white flowers of both male and female trees appear in May and are relatively inconspicuous. Pollinated female flowers produce red berries which ripen in October and persist throughout the winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Opaca means opaque or dull, in reference to the non-lustrous leaf surfaces. Many of the Ilex opaca cultivars have superior foliage (more lustrous) and berries to the species.

Problems

Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, mites, whitefly and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (soil pH too high).

Garden Uses

This small, evergreen tree is best as a specimen or in small groups. Foliage and red berries provide excellent color to the winter landscape, and cuttings of the same are popular additions to Christmas wreaths and other decorations.

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