American Holly is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to the eastern United States, typically reaching heights of up to 15 meters. It plays a crucial role in agroecology as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing dense foliage that serves as a windbreak and habitat for wildlife. Its bright red berries, although toxic to humans, are a vital winter food source for birds. Historically, the wood has been used for crafting due to its fine grain and white color. In regenerative agriculture, American Holly is valued for its ability to thrive in various soil types, from sandy to clay, and its role in supporting biodiversity by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Growing Details
American Holly thrives in well-drained, acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Mulching with organic material helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It can tolerate partial shade to full sun, but full sun promotes better berry production. Companion plants include rhododendrons and azaleas, which share similar soil preferences. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Harvesting of berries should be done in late fall to early winter. Post-harvest, berries should be sto
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Ilex opaca</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Eastern United States
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 90 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The berries of American Holly are not suitable for human consumption due to their low palatability and potential toxicity. They should be avoided.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, American Holly has been used for its emetic and diuretic properties. However, caution is advised as the berries are toxic. Its use in modern herbal medicine is limited.
health concerns: The berries are toxic if ingested in large quantities, causing nausea and vomiting. They should be kept away from children and pets.
other uses: The wood of American Holly is prized for its fine grain and white color, making it suitable for small woodworking projects such as handles and inlays.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Ilex opaca
common names: American Holly; Christmas Holly; White Holly
family: Aquifoliaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Ilex
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 3.0 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -10ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Slow
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 6.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Acid
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: American Holly thrives in well-drained, acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Mulching with organic material helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It can tolerate partial shade to full sun, but full sun promotes better berry production. Companion plants include rhododendrons and azaleas, which share similar soil preferences. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Harvesting of berries should be done in late fall to early winter. Post-harvest, berries should be sto
Potential Disturbances: American Holly can be affected by leaf miners and scale insects. Natural pest management includes introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to manage scale insects. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help repel pests.
Growth Timeline
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