Ilex opaca

American holly

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Photo credit: Christopher F. Miller, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, New Jersey.
Family

Aquifoliaceae

Region

Coastal Plain, Mountain, Piedmont

States

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

Plant Type

Small/Medium Tree (Understory), Tall Tree (Canopy)

Height

15 - 50ft

Spread

18 - 40ft

Flower Color

White, Yellow

Fruit

Fleshy; Red

Sun Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Soil Texture

Clay, Loamy

Soil Moisture

Moist

Blooms

May - June

Fall Color

evergreen

Habitat

most common and abundant in moist sandy woodlands of the coastal plain

Notes

birds eat berries; state tree of Delaware; Harvested for Christmas decorations; wood has been used for making furniture; much used as an ornamental; fruits are eaten by numerous songbirds, bobwhite, and wild turkey

More Information

Landscaping with Native Plants
Native Plant List
How to Shop for Native Plants
Plant Invaders of the Mid Atlantic

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Resources

The Native Plants Guide

Physiographic Regions of Chesapeake Watershed

Mountain
Piedmont
Coastal Plain