American Holly Common Name: American Holly Botanical Name: Ilex opaca American Holly leaves Plant family: Aquifolicaeae Location: East Terrace Switchback, North Forest Trail, Tulip Tree Trail Growing zone: 5-9 Height: 40-50 ft. Spread: 18-30 ft. Bloom time: April, May Bloom description: Male flowers have four white, rounded petals with dull white stamens. Females have small, green, rounded pistils and sterile stamens. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Leaf type: Dark, evergreen leaves are 1-3 in. long with 7-8 sharp, spiny teeth along the margins of each side. Garden uses: This evergreen tree works well as a specimen plant or for a mass planting to use as a native privacy screen. Must use a male and a female plant in order to produce fruit. Prefers a site with an acidic, moist, well-drained soil in part-shade to full sun. Wildlife benefits: Fruits are eaten by many gamebirds, fruit-eating songbirds, and small mammals.
