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Description
Ilex Opaca, commonly known as the American Holly or Christmas Holly, is an evergreen tree native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the holly family and is known for its bright red berries, spiny leaves, and smooth gray bark. It grows up to 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a conical or pyramidal shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
The American Holly has spiny, glossy, dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. It produces small white flowers in the spring that give way to bright red berries in the fall. The bark is smooth and gray, and the tree has a conical or pyramidal shape. It is a slow-growing tree that can live for several hundred years.
Care Guide
The American Holly prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, and it should be watered regularly during dry periods. It is a moderate feeder and should be fertilized once a year in the spring. The tree requires full sun or partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The American Holly is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spot. Spider mites and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while leaf spot can be prevented by keeping the tree pruned and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The American Holly is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in forests, along streams and rivers, and in wetlands. It is often used as a landscaping plant and is popular during the holiday season for its bright red berries.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my American Holly?
A: The tree should be watered regularly during dry periods.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the American Holly?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: How tall does the American Holly grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
Q: Is the American Holly a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that can live for several hundred years.
Related Plants
- Ilex aquifolium (English Holly)
- Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)
- Ilex glabra (Inkberry)
- Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly)
References
- “Ilex Opaca.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 April 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a333>.
- “American Holly.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 22 April 2021. <https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/american-holly>.
- “Ilex Opaca.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 22 April 2021. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st653>.
