Plant guide

American holly.

Ilex opaca

Pronounced EYE-leks oh-PAY-kuh

Also known as American Holly, Christmas Holly, White Holly

The American holly is a classic evergreen tree known for its spiny leaves and bright red berries. It adds a festive touch to landscapes and provides excellent cover for local birds. You'll love how it keeps your garden looking green all winter long.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 50 feet
Growth rate: Slow

Care

Plant this tree in well draining soil and keep it mulched to retain moisture. Watch for yellowing leaves which might indicate poor drainage or nutrient issues. It prefers a spot protected from harsh winter winds.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer for acid loving plants once in early spring.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
Repotting: Repot only if necessary as these trees prefer to stay in the ground.
Soil: Acidic, moist, well drained soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5

Safety

Pets: The berries and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Spiny, dark green evergreen leaves
Bright red berries on female trees
Grayish, smooth bark texture
Pyramidal growth habit

Science

Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex
Order: Aquifoliales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your american holly looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.