American Holly

American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Full to part sun, medium moisture, best growth in rich organic soils but tolerates sandy and clay soils, moderately acid pH 4.5–6.0; does not tolerate flooding or sustained saturated soil.

15–30 feet tall by 10–20 feet wide; dioecious — greenish-white flowers in May–June; female plants produce glossy red berries 6–12 mm diameter in October, persisting through winter. Growth rate slow to very slow. Broadleaf evergreen.

Propagation moderately difficult from cuttings; one male plant required per 2–3 female plants for fruit production.

Native region: Statewide in Tennessee with lowest concentration in the Central Basin; common in moist woodland understories and forest edges across Maury County and the Highland Rim.

I. opaca is the native holly traditionally associated with Christmas decoration in the eastern United States. It is distinct from Ilex cornuta (Chinese holly) by its duller, less glossy leaves with fewer spines and its native range. Male and female trees are indistinguishable until flowering — newly planted trees require 4–7 years to flower, making sex identification difficult at purchase. For reliable fruiting, plant at least one confirmed male within 30–40 feet of female plants; the cultivar 'Jersey Knight' is a widely available male selection for Middle Tennessee. Holly leaf miner and scale insects are the most common pests. The 'Savannah' cultivar is specifically recommended by UT Extension for clay soils.