American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Quick Facts

• Type: tree
• Size: 30-50 ft tall
• Sun: part
• Water: moderate
• Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soils
• USDA zones: 7-9

The classic Christmas holly – spiny evergreen leaves and bright red winter berries.

Slow but stately in North Florida shade; plant male and female for the berry show.

In the Landscape

The classic American Christmas holly — spiny evergreen leaves, brilliant red berries. A handsome specimen or screen. Slow-growing but essentially permanent once established.

Care & Propagation

Plant in fall in acidic, well-drained soil; mulch to keep roots cool. Space 10-15 feet apart. Plant one male for every several females for berry set. Prune lightly after the holidays if you cut branches for decoration.

Seeds need cold stratification and can take 2-3 years to germinate — buy nursery plants. Female plants need a male nearby for berries.

Wildlife Value

Berries persist into late winter, feeding robins, bluebirds, and waxwings when other food is gone. Dense evergreen branches shelter roosting birds; it's a nesting favorite for cardinals.

🌱 Fun fact: American holly wood is the whitest wood in North America — so white it's used for piano keys and inlay work where ebony needs a pale partner.

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🌴 In Florida

Slow but stately in North Florida shade; plant male and female for the berry show.

🌿 Keep exploring

More Florida natives worth meeting:

• Alachua bully (Sideroxylon alachuense)
• American Elm (Ulmus americana)
• American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)