Ilex opaca
American holly
American holly was noticed by the Pilgrims who landed in North
America the week before Christmas in 1620 on the coast of what is now
Massachusetts. This evergreen with prickly leaves and red berries reminded them
of English holly which was a symbol of Christmas England and Europe. Also called
white holly or Christmas holly, the tree has been one of the most valuable and
popular trees in the Eastern United States for its foliage and berries, for
Christmas decorations and for ornamental plantings. Ilex opaca is the
only native North American holly that attains tree size.
Photos by Steve Nix and VT Dendrology
Start with the Tree Finder if you are not sure what kind of tree you have!
American
Holly Habitat and Culture
(silvics courtesy of Silvics Manual, USFS)
Fire
Effects On American Holly
(courtesy of U.S. Forest Service, Fire Effects)
From
Virginia Tech w/Photos
(Big List courtesy of VT Dendrology)
North American Timber Types
(courtesy About Forestry)
The Great American
Hardwood Forest
(courtesy About Forestry)
Recent Champion: 76' height, 48' spread, 125" circumf., Chambers
Co., Alabama
National Register of Big
Trees
Image
Image1
(images courtesy of Steve Nix and Forestry at
About.com)
(images courtesy of Kim Nix and Forestry at About.com)
Buy an
American Holly Online
(Nurseries selling seedlings online)
Range Map
-The native range of American holly, USFS.
Quick Stats
Common Names: American Holly, Christmas Holly, Evergreen Holly,
Holly, Prickly Holly, White Holly, Yule Holly
Habitat: Like the southern pines, American holly is primarily a plant of the humid Southeast.
Description: has been one of the most valuable and popular trees in the Eastern United States for its foliage and berries, used for Christmas decorations, and for ornamental plantings.
Uses: Furniture (inlay), keys for musical instruments (ebonized), scientific
instruments, fixtures, brush
backs, carvings, scrollwork, engravings, handles, turnery & novelties. The tree's
beauty makes it an important ornamental.
