Family: Aquifoliaceae
Author: Soland. ex Ait.
Bibliography: Hort. kew. 1:169. 1789
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ilex
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
American holly, scientifically known as Ilex opaca, is a notable species within the Aquifoliaceae family, and this tree holds a distinctive place among North American flora. First documented in Hortus Kewensis in 1789 by Soland. ex Ait., this evergreen tree has a range that spans across the central and eastern United States.
American holly boasts a distinctive appearance, characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves that persist year-round. These leaves are often spiked and serve as a natural deterrent to herbivores. In addition to its attractive foliage, the tree produces bright red berries that persist through the winter, adding a splash of color to the otherwise drab winter landscape. These berries are not only visually appealing but also serve as a crucial food source for various bird species during the colder months.
Typically growing to heights of 30 to 50 feet, American holly trees can sometimes reach as high as 70 feet in optimal conditions. Its trunk is often straight with a pyramidal or conical crown that gradually becomes more irregular with age. This characteristic shape, combined with its dense foliage, makes it a favored choice for ornamental planting and hedge formation.
American holly thrives in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and is relatively tolerant of different moisture levels, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is commonly found in mixed hardwood forests, along forest edges, and in coastal plains, demonstrating a notable resilience to both drought and moderate flooding conditions.
The economic and cultural significance of American holly cannot be overstated. It is widely used in holiday decorations, most notably during Christmas, due to its festive appearance. Historically, it has also been used in traditional medicine and woodcraft, where its hard and dense wood was prized for making small tools and inlays.
Overall, Ilex opaca is more than just an ornamental tree; it plays a vital ecological role in its native habitat and holds substantial cultural value. Whether admired for its beauty, its utility, or its environmental importance, the American holly remains a cherished and significant component of the natural landscape in central and eastern United States.
Common Names
Eng: american holly, white holly, christmas holly
Deu: amerikanische stechpalme
Fra: houx d’amérique, houx touffu
En: American holly, White holly, Christmas Holly
Fr: Houx d’Amérique, Houx touffu
De: Amerikanische Stechpalme
Synonyms
- Ageria opaca ((Aiton) Raf.)
- Ilex aquifolium var. opaca ((Aiton) Laurentius)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by ricktx (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by liz mensinger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2021 by Chad Pearce (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2021 by Lily Jones (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2020 by krieger kyle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Taylor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 19, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2021 by Sarit Yahalomi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2019 by Laura Kiser (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Dillon Bates (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2022 by r.devereaux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2021 by Lily Jones (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Taylor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414248)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30066096-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ilex opaca Aiton)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.5