Do I need two trees for berries?

Yes, you need at least one male tree nearby to pollinate the female tree.

How fast does it grow?

It is quite slow, typically adding only 30 to 60 centimeters per year.

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.

Another photo of American holly — Photo by Niyan Shehan (CC0) via gbif

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
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring

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
Temperature: -23 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, often living over 100 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth despite regular feeding

Safety

People: Ingesting the berries can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pets: The berries and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep the bright red berries out of reach of children as they look like candy but are poisonous.
Contact allergens: The stiff, spiny leaves can cause skin irritation or scratches upon contact.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is generally not considered a significant allergen.
Edibility: The berries are toxic to humans and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

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

Height: 4.5 to 15m
Spread: 3 to 6m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, greenish white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: red, Late autumn to winter

Problems to watch for

Leaf MinersCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your american holly from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from freezing temperatures.
In containers: It can grow in large containers for a few years, but it prefers being in the ground.

Semi-hardwood cuttings

1. Take 15 centimeter cuttings in late summer.
2. Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
3. Place in a moist, well draining medium.
4. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity.
5. Transplant once roots are established.

Plant your holly in acidic, well drained soil to keep it happy and healthy.

Grows well with

Mountain Laurel · They share similar acidic soil requirements and thrive in partial shade.
Southern Magnolia · These provide a classic evergreen backdrop for the holly.

Similar species

English Holly · It has glossier, sharper leaves and is often confused with the native American species.

Science

Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex
Order: Aquifoliales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central United States.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, but wild collection of branches for holiday decor should be done sustainably.

It thrives in the understory of moist forests where it provides critical winter shelter for birds.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, winter food source for birds, nesting cover
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental specimen, privacy screen, holiday greenery, wildlife habitat

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need two trees for berries?: Yes, you need at least one male tree nearby to pollinate the female tree.
How fast does it grow?: It is quite slow, typically adding only 30 to 60 centimeters per year.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Ilex is the classical Latin name for holm oak, while opaca means opaque or dull, referring to the matte finish of the leaves.

Good to know

American holly is the state tree of Delaware.
The wood is very white and is often used for fine woodworking or piano keys.
Only female trees produce the iconic red berries.
It is a slow growing tree that can live for over a century.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your american holly growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.