American Holly
Ilex opaca
NativeMedium AvailabilityFull sun to part shadeZones 5a - 9bHigh Resilience/AdaptationMedium Water
Quick stats
Mature height15 - 30 feet
Canopy spread10 - 20 feet
MaintenanceLow
Bloom DescriptionWhite flowers
About this Tree
The American Holly brings a timeless, festive charm to the landscape, famously loved by George Washington himself, who planted dozens at Mount Vernon that still stand today. Its stiff, spiny evergreen leaves provide unparalleled year-round privacy and shelter for backyard wildlife, while the female trees put on a spectacular winter show of brilliant red berries. It is a slow-growing, multi-generational heritage tree that grounds a yard with classic structure and historic American roots.
Planting specifications
Scientific name Ilex opaca
FamilyAquifoliaceae
Mature height15 - 30 feet
Canopy spread10 - 20 feet
Native RangeEastern U.S.
Sun exposureFull sun to part shade
AttractsBirds, Songbirds, Bees (Flowers), Wildlife (Berries, Winter Cover)
Water needsMedium
USDA zones5a - 9b
Wildlife valueHigh
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Common nameAmerican Holly
Scientific name Ilex opaca
FamilyAquifoliaceae
Mature height15 - 30 feet
Canopy spread10 - 20 feet
Sun exposureFull sun to part shade
Water needsMedium
USDA zones5a - 9b
Wildlife valueHigh
AttractsBirds, Songbirds, Bees (Flowers), Wildlife (Berries, Winter Cover)
BloomWhite flowers
Bloom TimeSpring
Carbon/Air QualityMedium
Flowers
AvailabilityMedium
Hydroloby/StormwaterMedium
LeavesEvergreen
MaintenaceLow
Native RangeEastern U.S.
Native StatusNative
Ecological ValueHigh
Parking Lot TreeYes
Street TreeNo
Resilience/AdaptationHigh
Pollinator ValueMedium
ToleratesDeer
Suggested useScreen
Columbia County AvailabilityGood
Augusta-Richmond AvailabilityMedium