American holly is a broad-leaved evergreen tree reaching 40 to 50 feet high, densely pyramidal in youth becoming more open and symmetrically conical with age. The dark green, elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the leaf margin. Plants grow best in low pH acidic soils in part shade. Avoid windy sites. Trees are either male or female and require both to get fruit production. This species does not grow to its full potential in northern Illinois.
- Family (English) Holly
- Family (botanic) Aquifoliaceae
- Planting site Residential and parks
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Evergreen (foliage year-round)
- Native locale Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-50 feet
- Mature width 18-40 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Road salt
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous, White
- Shape or form Pyramidal
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well No
- Planting considerations Marginally hardy, May be difficult to find in nurseries
- Wildlife Birds, Insect pollinators, Large mammals, Small mammals
- Has cultivars Yes
