American Holly
Ilex opaca
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- Ilex opaca
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Green
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers organic matter-rich soils in native forests
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Holly seeds exhibit deep dormancy and do not germinate until the second year. After cleaning, seeds are planted in late September using a Love seeder set at 3rd gear at 6 setting into prepared field beds.
Establishment: Seeds are purchased from local people who collect within a 50 mile radius of the nursery. American holly is dioecious; female plants bear red to red-orange fruits during fall months. American holly is found from Massachusetts to Florida east to Texas and Missouri. Seed sources are from south central Missouri.
Source: npn.rngr.net