American holly

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Typical Size

40-60 ft. tall
10-20 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Plant seeds immediately after collection for best germination. Scarification or double-stratification may be implemented but seeds may not germinate until internal conditions are optimum, which could be years. It will take 5-12 years before the sex of seedlings can be determined. May also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings.

Plant Planting Notes

American holly grows best in moist, neutral to acidic soils, in full sun to partial shade. Flooding is not tolerated. Excess shade will decrease foliage density.

Plants/Diseases

Black root rot and Phytophthora root rot can be problematic, especially in stressed trees.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves are alternate, simple, oblong to elliptic, coriaceous, and have an apical spine.

Flowers

Male trees produce axillary clusters of 3-12 male flowers on peduncles about 1″ long. Individual flowers are about 1/4″ in diameter and consist of a short green calyx with 4 lobes, 4 greenish-white petals, and 4 stamens. Flowers of female trees may appear individually or in groups of 2-3. Individual female flowers are about 1/4″ in diameter and consist of a short green calyx with 4 loves, 4 greenish-white petals, 4 infertile residual stamens, and a green pistil. The peduncle and pedicels of the flowers are green and either hairless or sparsely pubescent.

Fruit

Fertile female flowers are replaced by drupes that mature in the fall. When mature, fruits are about 1/3″ in diameter and bright red or occasional orange-red.

Bark

Bark is a light gray and smooth but may be splotched with red or tan lichens or warty.

Toxicity

All Ilex species are somewhat toxic if ingested. Individual sensitivity varies.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

American holly is found in a wide variety of forests, ranging from xeric to wetland.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Within South Carolina, American holly is common in the Mountains, common in the Piedmont, and common in the Coastal Plain.