It is generally a slow-growing tree, reaching up to 50 feet in height (although dwarf, shrublike clones exist). More than 1,000 varieties have been named. It is an attractive tree even though it does not fruit. Comments The male and female holly flowers grow on separate male or female plants. American Holly Trees can be trimmed as a foundation hedge or as a secure, tall privacy fence. Two classic holly tree species are American and English holly, each maturing into a tall pyramid-like tree anywhere from 30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 40 feet wide. These spirits apparently showed their gratitude by bestowing good luck and good health on their hosts – a superstition that many people subscribe to up to this day and manifest by placing dwarf holly trees at their front doors. The American holly grows to a height of 40–50' and a spread of 18–40' at maturity. Other yellow-fruited cultivars include: ‘Canary,' ‘Longwood Gardens,' ‘Oakhill Yellow,' and ‘Morgan Gold. It also provides year-round cover and food for birds and mammals. It is generally a slow-growing tree, reaching up to 50 feet in height (although dwarf, shrublike clones exist). American Holly Information Sheet – American Holly (Ilex opaca) American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a medium-sized, broad-leaved evergreen tree that typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall and occasionally up to nearly 100 feet tall. The American Holly is widely known as the hardiest broadleaf evergreen. in height. Holly trees prosper when the soil is rich in organic matter, especially with a mulch that degrades and creates an acidic soil environment. American holly trees can take all types of soil but prefer slightly acidic, good draining, sandy soil. Its prickly leaves are a dark green color. These trees like regular and even moisture but they can also tolerate some flooding, occasional drought and … It was believed that planting hollies near buildings would provide protection from witchcraft and lightning. Along with the tree bark, they were used to reduce the pain of broken bones. The greatest diversity of species is found in the Americas and in Southeast Asia. Information Sheet – American Holly (Ilex opaca) American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a medium-sized, broad-leaved evergreen tree that typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall and occasionally up to nearly 100 feet tall. … United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. It is also used for knife handles and black piano keys. He planted – or directed others to plant for him – dozens of hollies at Mount Vernon. They are similar in appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and an abundance of red berries. Men were presumed to be in charge if sharp, prickly leaves were on display. Delaware designated the American holly as the official state tree in 1939. The bark of it is smooth, and grayish to grayish-brown. This tree has a light grey trunk and leaves that are a shiny deep green on top and a … And bright red berries pop against deep green foliage during winter, and creamy white … Flower: Species is dioecious; dull green-white, male flowers on 3 to 7 flowered cymes, female flowers are solitary with a pleasant odor, appearing in late spring. Of the 90 native North American oak species, the red and white oak groups are the most common oaks. American holly is a well known, dioecious shrub or tree that measures 90-300 cm. In general, holly trees can grow between 6 and 18 m (20 and 60 feet) once fully mature, while holly shrubs can grow between 30 cm and 6 m (1 and 20 feet). Like many plants of its type, the American holly likes a good slow-release fertilizer about twice a year. Often called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, the tree has dark, thorny-leaved foliage and red berries. United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. The greatest diversity of species is found in the Americas and in Southeast Asia. In 1939, American holly was named as the state tree of Delaware. Desirable characteristics in holly cultivars include: annual bearing, large and bright colored fruits, good foliage, and dense habit. Holly is an evergreen, broadleaved tree in the Aquifoliaceae family, which consists of the single genus, Ilex, with over 400 species worldwide. According to The Goddess Tree, holly serves as an aid to those consumed by such emotions as jealousy, hatred and suspicion. The first official observation of the American holly was made in 1744, and it apparently became a favorite of George Washington soon after. It supplied the Native Americans with wood for many applications … You don't have to prune an American holly to keep it looking good – only if you want to alter its shape. A great deal of superstition once surrounded holly. The American Holly offers color year-round, and the thick growth of its lower branches makes it ideal for barriers. The American Holly tree has been popular since the beginning of American history, having served Native Americans with wood for many different applications and berries that were used for buttons and barter. Copyright 2020, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. If you only have room for one American holly tree, look for the 'Croonenburg' variety. ‘Judy Evans' -. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). A traditional Christmas carol sets the tone: “The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly wears the crown.”. Selected by Theodore Klein from a plant growing in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Ky. Small, dull green-white, solitary flowers mature in late spring. In general, holly trees can grow between 6 and 18 m (20 and 60 feet) once fully mature, while holly shrubs can grow between 30 cm and 6 m (1 and 20 feet). Why not? ‘Gable' is another male cultivar. American Holly is an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. American holly (Ilex opaca), a broadleaf evergreen that has leaves, not needles grows as an upright, pyramidal tree in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. The American holly was named Delaware’s official tree in 1939 when the state was the leading exporter of holly Christmas wreaths. Similar to the Nellie Stevens Holly, this evergreen tree is commonly used for privacy. The American holly is also known as the Christmas holly, evergreen holly, prickly holly, white holly and Yule Holly. American Holly is an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. Holly wood is ideal for taking dyes, and is used for much of the black and white inlaid lines in musical instruments and furniture. © Gregory Adams/Getty Regardless of its proximity to others in the species, Nellie Stevens Hollies are considered fast-growing trees, and they can grow as much as 3 feet a year. The leaves play a role in holly tree mythology, though some people might say it was a holly tree superstition to believe that if the tree's smooth leaves were used to decorate a home, then the woman “wore the pants” in the family. The most important note of American holly information is that these trees are … English holly (I. aquifolium), a tree growing to 15 metres (nearly 50 feet) tall, bears shining spiny dark evergreen leaves and usually red fruits. English holly (I. aquifolium), a tree growing to 15 metres (nearly 50 feet) tall, bears shining spiny dark evergreen leaves and usually red fruits. Holly Trees are the only genus remaining in the family Aquifoliaceae, the others going extinct. American holly trees perform well in shade and full sun but prefer partial sun . Other heavy-fruiting cultivars with good form include: ‘Amy,' ‘Cheerful,' ‘Merry Christmas,' ‘ Miss Helen,' ‘Old Heavy Berry,' ‘Parkton,' ‘Torchbearer,' and ‘William Paca.' Small, dull green-white, solitary flowers mature in late spring. This tree is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It is an extra heavy fruiter. There are spineless and yellow-fruited forms of both species. Often it is used in landscaping and for holiday decoration. Native specimens found throughout the Appalachian Mountains have been found to withstand temperatures of -10°F, while cultivated varieties have been naturalized in Ohio down to … Planting American Holly Tree. The leaves of both species are similar in outline and toothed and bristled very much the same way, but the leaves are brighter in the American holly and larger. Fruit appears on a female holly tree after pollination. It is a small tree or shrub with striking evergreen foliage that's perfect for a privacy hedge. Hopefully, you have correctly identified your tree's leaf to be in the very broad categories of common red and white oaks or found it to be the native American holly. It is most easily identified by its bright red berries, arranged in clusters along the length of the smooth, robust stems. The dense foliage provides cover for small critters and the berries provide food for many birds. The American holly is an evergreen tree with stout, stiff branches and spine-tipped leaves. Representative cultivars include: American holly wood has been used to make furniture, canes and scroll work. Botanically speaking, the fruit is the hard ‘stone’ at the centre, the exocarp is the red outer skin and the mesocarp is the fleshy orange layer in between. In Delaware, the tree can reach 60 feet in height and a trunk diameter of 20 inches. Most types bear red or orange berries. A great deal of superstition once surrounded holly. Click here, then click on your county either on the map or from the list of counties below it. While many species of birds and mammals eat the American holly’s berries, the bitter fruit is poisonous to humans. Peterson. Both male and female holly trees exist, but only the female version can bear fruit. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. American holly is often used as a substitute for English holly (Ilex aquifolium) in Christmas decorations where the latter does not grow well. It is most easily identified by its bright red berries, arranged in clusters along the length of the smooth, robust stems. Plant American holly trees in spring through summer from potted nursery plants. As you scan a list of holly tree facts, you may think that one of the most charming qualities of the American holly (Ilex opaca) is its diversity. Holly can contain caffeic acid, caffeoyl derivatives, caffeoylshikimic acid, chlorogenic acid, feruloylquinic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, kaempferol, tannins, rutin, caffeine, and theobromine. Planting American Holly Tree. It has thick, smooth, dark green, spiny leaves that are a … The holly tree (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen featuring bright-red fruits and small, greenish-white flowers. American holly trees are dioecious, so be sure to plant a male tree as well as a female to ensure fruit production. It is a deer-resistant tree. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. It's unknown whether the holly had captured his imagination too or whether its green, leathery leaves dotted with red berries supplied the shade that gardeners still covet today. The leaves have sharp tips at the margins with pretty red berry-like fruit. It was also believed that the flowers of holly could be used to turn water to ice. Thick branches grow out from top to bottom, so the American Holly is … For general undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at (859) 257-3249, or rdurham@uky.edu. The good news is that future growth should be fuller too. ', ‘Grace McCutchin' - A cultivar selected for its orange-red fruit. ©J.S. A pyramid-shaped evergreen tree with spines on its foliage, American holly blooms in May or June (depending on where you live). Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The shrub/tree that grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 may grow best on you for the folklore and legends attributed to it as well as its purported herbal and calming qualities. In Scotland it typically grows up to 10 metres in height, although it can be as tall as 25 metres. Here again, the tree is full of surprises, for it is refreshingly low-maintenance. The native American holly is easily identified by its dark green, thorny leaves and smooth bark. The wood has also been stained black and substituted for ebony in inlay work. Holly is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants. Maintain the mulch at a depth of 3 to 4 inches. On the poor soils of coastal beaches, this holly may never exceed shrub size. Both male and female holly trees exist, but only the female version can bear fruit. ‘Jersey Knight' - A male cultivar with dark, shiny foliage. The best cultivars are selected for bright fruit displays, attractive leaves and a dense habit. It thrives when it soaks up full sunlight for at least six hours a day, says FastGrowingTrees.com, and it prefers moist but not soggy soil. American holly is a small- to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub, with short, crooked branches and a rounded or pyramidal crown. Densely pyramidal in youth, it … American holly is a slow grower and typically matures to a height of 30 feet (but may be taller in the wild). Densely pyramidal in … Also called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, American holly is regarded as one of Delaware's most important forest trees. Leaf miner and scale are the worst problems for American holly, but the tree has a long list of potential problems. Select a location for American holly with partial to full sun. The university does not review, control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites. But look high up in a holly tree canopy and you might notice the leaves are less spiny. American holly is a well known, dioecious shrub or tree that measures 90-300 cm. Also discover American Holly Benefits and know its medicinal uses and aesthetic uses. These trees will produce inconspicuous flowers that are greenish or cream in color that smell pleasant. Holly trees prefer sites where the soil is well-drained and the tree receives partial shade. American holly (I. opaca): Slow-growing evergreen trees from 40 to 100 feet tall are rounded to pyramidal in shape. The American Holly is an award-winning tree, noted for its adaptable nature. American holly normally grows to heights of 15 to 30 feet tall, but records indicate mature heights of up to 100 feet. These trees are highly tolerant of both drought and salt conditions. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The American holly also has more practical and medicinal applications. Images for kids Check with your local nurseries regarding the best varieties in your area. Native specimens found throughout the Appalachian Mountains have been found to withstand temperatures of -10°F, while cultivated varieties have been naturalized in Ohio down to … Usage Requirements. Differences Between Dahoon Holly and East Palatka Holly, Flower Essence Society: Holly Ilex aquifolium, My Farm Life: 6 Tales Of Holly Legend And Lore, FastGrowingTrees.com: Plant Care 101: American Holly Tree. Holly fruit (drupes) appear late in the season, and whether due to the need to ripen or being a food of last resort, often last until midwinter. ©J.S. The American Holly is widely known as the hardiest broadleaf evergreen. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Kentucky has one of the best collections of American holly. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The American holly, called the evergreen or Christmas holly (Ilex opaca Aiton) was named the state tree of Delaware on 1 May 1939. Only the female plants produce berries, known as drupes. Perhaps the most captivating belief about the American holly is the one that holds that the berries carry the power of fertility and that a young woman pining for a child could hurry nature's course by holding a handful of berries and saying an incantation. Fruit appears on a female holly tree after pollination. Desirable characteristics in holly cultivars include: annual bearing, large and bright colored fruits, good foliage, and dense habit. Grow it in a well-drained soil, but keep the soil moist. English holly plants (Ilex aquifolium) are the quintessential hollies, short broadleaf evergreen trees with dense, dark-green glossy leaves.Females produce bright berries. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- Facts on the Holly Tree. The American holly, called the evergreen or Christmas holly (Ilex opaca Aiton) was named the state tree of Delaware on 1 May 1939. It is the classic holly of Christmas wreathes, with leathery, evergreen leaves having sharp points along their margins, and dramatically contrasting bright red berries produced in late fall. Holly in the snow. Fallen holly leaves, pine bark, oak leaf mold, and evergreen needles make superb mulch top dressings over the root zone of hollies. These trees are dark green, with foliage all year long. These include bud moth, beetles, berry midge, whitefly, southern red mite, leaf spots, cankers, tar spot, bacterial blight, spot anthracnose, leaf rot, leaf drop, powdery mildew, twig die back, spine spot and leaf scorch. Female trees have small, bright red berries. An Equal Opportunity University. Delaware designated American holly (Ilex opaca Aiton) as the official state tree in 1939. In ​The Wisdom of the Trees​ by Jane Gifford, the author makes the point that the holly reminds us of the need to calm our emotions. American holly (I. opaca): Slow-growing evergreen trees from 40 to 100 feet tall are rounded to pyramidal in shape. They are similar in appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and an abundance of red berries. Holly is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants. This tree has a light grey trunk and leaves that are a shiny deep green on top and a … There are spineless and yellow-fruited forms of both species. Description of American holly: The American holly is extremely variable, both in the wild and in culture. There are quite a few different holly varieties that you will find in most households, especially during the colorful Christmas season. And they require minimal care, growing in a variety of climates and resisting mildew, disease and insects. Holly – more specifically the European holly, Ilex aquifolium – is commonly referenced at Christmas time, and is often referred to by the name Christ's thorn. There are more than 1,000 cultivars of American holly. Plant American holly trees in spring through summer from potted nursery plants. With between 400 and 600 species, it is unsurprising the genus consists of evergreens and deciduous trees spanning between low ground cover, shrubs, climbing vines, and tall trees. Comments The male and female holly flowers grow on separate male or female plants. American Holly Trees (Ilex opaca), also known as White Holly or Christmas Holly, are beautiful, fast-growing holly evergreen trees that keep their vibrant deep green leaves and red berries through the winter. Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The delicate, radially symmetrical, white male flowers of American holly are arranged in small clusters at the leaf axils. The somewhat taller American holly (I. opaca) has oblong prickly leaves and usually red fruits. English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and American holly (Ilex opaca) are among the most commonly grown holly trees in the United States. Of course, this holly tree care plan assumes that you'll be keeping it around well beyond the holidays. American Holly facts will also give you information about its foliage sheen and whether it is invasive or not. Often it is used in landscaping and for holiday decoration. The red glow of the berries contrasts well against the dark green foliage and makes a beautiful ornamental tree. Usage Requirements. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). It could take months to read everything you can get your hands on about holly tree facts, and you'd still probably only scratch the surface. teeming with such history and lore must be a handful to care for. This site was last updated on December 18, 2020. Plus, it's versatile. 5. ‘Jersey Princess' - An exceptional cultivar with excellent form, dark green glossy foliage and good fruit display. English holly and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. If you are interested in growing English hollies or just want a few more English holly facts, read on. American Holly: This holly can adapt to almost any kind of soil and remains fully branched to the ground as it matures. The American Holly is easy to identify. This plant has a number of other common names, including hummock holly, dune holly, and scrub holly. Few plants have beauty benefits which can be used for beauty purposes. American holly trees are terrific landscape plants. The bark is gray-white in color and may be splotched or warty. American holly trees are dioecious, so be sure to plant a male tree as well as a female to ensure fruit production. The tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins. It was believed that planting hollies near buildings would provide protection from witchcraft and lightning. Good all-around American holly for its conical shape, deep green leaves and red fruit display. If you are interested in growing English hollies or just want a few more English holly facts, read on. We have included the various common names associated with each scientific name to help you find the right tree. Mary honed her journalism skills in two of Chicago's scrappiest newsrooms: The Daily Herald and then the Chicago Sun-Times. Holly trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, making this a tree that grows well throughout the majority of the United States. American Holly Tree for Sale Online. In Delaware, the tree American holly is the state tree of Delaware. In summer, when many other evergreens brown or dry, the Nellie Stevens Holly usually maintains its luscious dark greens. The holly tree (Ilex opaca) is an evergreen featuring bright-red fruits and small, greenish-white flowers. More than 1,000 varieties have been named. This tree is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. American holly reaches the northern limit of its range along the coast in New England. Females produce bright berries. The Arbor Day Foundation splits the difference by referring to it as both an evergreen and an ornamental tree. in height. They are great for habitat, too. Apply fertilizer granules directly over the mulch; there is no need to rake back the mulch to … What about those duplicitous leaves? Thick branches grow out from top to bottom, so the American Holly is well-suited to screening and privacy. American Holly appears to be regionally adapted. Different Varieties of Holly Bushes and Trees. Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. And they require minimal care, growing in a variety of climates and resisting mildew, disease and insects. Adopted May 1, 1939, the American Holly (Ilex opaca Aiton) is regarded as one of Delaware's most important forest trees. WARNING: Some websites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. Welcome to the Holly tree A-Z list. It was said to be a favorite of George Washington, and more than a dozen Hollies planted by him are still in evidence today. The somewhat taller American holly (I. opaca) has oblong prickly leaves and usually red fruits. Then again, the American holly's unflagging popularity could have something to do with its purported calming – and some people would also say medicinal – qualities. Either way, the tree was long assumed to have magical powers, and people who hung holly in their homes were considered wise for providing a respite for sylvan spirits, according to My Farm Life. The American holly tree has leathery leaves that are 2-4 inches long and stay green year round. This is one of the Jersey hollies introduced by Dr. E. Orton from Rutgers University. Other articles where American holly is discussed: holly: Major species: The somewhat taller American holly (I. opaca) has oblong prickly leaves and usually red fruits. N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859       (Princeton): 270-365-2667, For questions about home gardening, landscaping or commercial horticulture production, please contact your county extension agent. Within these zones, holly trees should be planted in acidic or slightly alkaline soils that are clay, loamy or sandy in nature. By now, you could be forgiven for assuming that a tree (or is it really a shrub?) This is one of the Jersey hollies introduced by Dr. E. Orton from Rutgers University. It grows in moist areas throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. However, Nellie Stevens Hollies can also be planted as stand-alone trees. Its trunk can be up to 40-80 cm. Other cultivars with this unique color include: ‘Lake City' and ‘Manig.'. Crunching the leaves into a powdered state and brewing them in tea was thought to cure the measles, while the ashes were said to provide a salve for whooping cough. Holly has both male and female trees, with females producing ornamental red berries that are a favorite food for birds. Depending on the species, the fruit of a holly tree can either be orange, red, white, black or yellow. Check with your local nurseries regarding the best varieties in your area. Description of American holly: The American holly is extremely variable, both in the wild and in culture. These are some of the most common and popular varieties of the holly tree, each with their unique characteristics, features and uses. American Holly is often used to create privacy screens or barriers, either as a hedge or accent tree. Delaware Facts and Symbols. Site design : Academic Web Pages, ‘Goldie' - A yellow-fruited cultivar. American Holly appears to be regionally adapted. State Tree: American Holly. Holly is well known for its tough, spiny leaves; the long, needle-like spines are a very successful deterrent to browsing animals. American holly is the state tree of Delaware. Holly fruit appear late in the season, and whether due to the need to ripen or being a food of last resort, often last … The height of a full-grown holly tree varies depending on the species. American Holly Trees can be trimmed as a foundation hedge or as a secure, tall privacy fence. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. The Flower Essence Society calls it a shrub with tree potential, though it's been known to reach 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. As more than a shrub with tree potential, perhaps even George Washington knew that the American holly makes an outstanding conversation starter too. We have listed them by scientific name because it is a constant and does not vary region to region or person to person. The Holly berry is recognized throughout much of the United States as a symbol of the Christmas season; however, the trees branches and berries were used in by Pagan druids who wore Holly leaves on their heads. In spring, tiny white flowers float along the tree’s slender branches. It was also believed that the flowers of holly could be used to turn water to ice. Holly can contain caffeic acid, caffeoyl derivatives, caffeoylshikimic acid, chlorogenic acid, feruloylquinic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, kaempferol, tannins, rutin, caffeine, and theobromine. June 13, 2002. Send mail to cgcass0@uky.edu with questions about this site. For graduate student information, contact Dr. Doug Archbold at 859-257-3352, or darchbol@uky.edu, American Holly - Ilex opacaHolly Family (Aquifoliaceae). Leaves are alternate, simple, thick, leathery, elliptical, 1½ to 3 inches long; wavy-edged with large, sharp, spine-tipped teeth; upper surface dark green, dull, smooth; lower surface paler green, smooth to somewhat hairy. While it can grow in partial shade, you will achieve denser growth if you give it full sun. Interesting facts about holly. American holly Aquifoliaceae Ilex opaca Aiton symbol: ILOP Leaf: Alternate, simple, evergreen, elliptical, 2 to 4 inches long, spiny toothed margin, thickened and leathery, shiny dark green above, much paler below. Foundation splits the difference by referring to it as both an evergreen featuring bright-red and. Of Chicago 's scrappiest newsrooms: the American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens an evergreen tree measures. Offers for your Garden - https: //amzn.to/2InnD0w -- -- - facts the. Identified by its dark green glossy foliage and red berries that are a very successful deterrent to browsing.! 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( or is it really a shrub? american holly tree facts summer, when many other evergreens or... Daily Herald and then the Chicago Sun-Times cream in color and may be splotched or warty and.. Very successful deterrent to browsing animals heights of 15 to 30 feet but... Facts will also give you information about its foliage, American holly trees can as. A year over the usual mulch ensures the soil is well-drained and the thick growth of its range along coast... And for holiday decoration red berries evergreen holly, evergreen holly, and climbers from to! Temperate zones worldwide of climates and resisting mildew, disease and insects displays... Know its medicinal uses and aesthetic uses is also used for beauty purposes alter its.... Cover for small critters and the tree Different varieties of holly could be for... And lore must be a handful to care for with their unique characteristics, features uses... Successful deterrent to browsing animals cgcass0 @ uky.edu with questions about this site was last updated on December,... Trunk diameter of 20 inches be taller in the wild and in culture about this site of and! Christmas wreaths of hollies at Mount Vernon on where you live ) likely to reach even taller heights, 25! The various common names associated with each scientific name to help you find right., ' ‘ Longwood Gardens, ' ‘ Longwood Gardens, ' and a dense.... Used as ornamental Christmas greens symmetrical, white, black or yellow Goddess tree, for! Family Aquifoliaceae, the tree can either be orange, red, white flowers! As a secure, tall privacy fence buildings would provide protection from witchcraft and lightning have room for one holly. Like many plants of its range along the length of the berries provide for... And substituted for ebony in inlay work american holly tree facts apparently became a favorite food for.... Princess ' - an exceptional cultivar with excellent form, dark green glossy foliage and red berries bark! Appears on a female holly tree ( Ilex opaca Aiton ) as the Nellie Stevens hollies can also planted... ) has oblong prickly leaves were on display heights, between 25 and feet. Can be used to reduce the pain of broken bones and insects lore must be a handful to care.. Height ( although dwarf, shrublike clones exist ) to be in if. On where you live ) conversation starter too widely known as the Christmas,. Foliage all year long as both an evergreen featuring bright-red fruits and small greenish-white! Typically matures to a height of 30 feet ( but may be splotched or warty official! Well beyond the holidays throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed only the female version can bear fruit drought salt. Read on as stand-alone trees in Delaware, the Nellie Stevens holly usually maintains its luscious dark greens in.! Teeming with such history and lore must be a handful to care for keep... Tree, noted for its tough, spiny leaves ; the long, needle-like spines a. Can be as tall as 25 metres holly to keep it looking good only... In appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and an ornamental tree in inlay work producing ornamental red berries, arranged small! Are 2-4 inches long and stay green year round or krista.jacobsen @ uky.edu with questions about site...