Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000764
11/12/99
Ilex opaca--American Holly
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Height: 40 ft Spread: 20 ft Form: pyramidal
Type: broad-leaved evergreen tree
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches
Fruits: Red, yellow
Comments: American holly should be given a protected spot
in northern areas. Grow holly in partial shade or full
sun and a light, acid, moist soil. Avoid heavy soil and
expect difficulty in transplanting. The main ornamental
features are bright red berries (Vis. 1) and evergreen
foliage. American holly is dioecious so both male and
female plants are needed for fruit production. One male
plant can provide pollen to three female plants.
Cultivars:
'Goldie' - Yellow berries. The foliage bronzes in
winter.
'Jersey Knight' - A male clone with dark green leaves.
'Nelson West' - A narrow, upright male form, becoming
broader with age. The leaves have prominent spine.
'Princeton Gold' - Yellow fruit.
'St. Mary' - A female that is fast-growing, narrow and
upright when young. Becomes broader as it matures.
'Wayside's Christmas Tree' - A female with heavy fruit
production and a pyramidal form.
References for Cultivars: Weston Nurseries 1999, Princeton
Nurseries 1997, Wayside Gardens 1996.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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