American Holly — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ilex opaca |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 60–120 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–2190 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 457.2–1524 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 304.8–762 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in moist, slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6.0), well-drained to moderately moist soil in full sun to partial shade; American holly is the native evergreen tree holly of the eastern US, producing the classic red-berried, spiny-leaved holly that symbolizes the Christmas season. It grows naturally from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas, often in moist, slightly shaded woodland conditions along the coastal plain and Piedmont. The red berries (persistent through winter on female trees when a male pollinizer is present) are consumed by dozens of bird species, providing critical winter food for robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds. It tolerates partial shade and performs remarkably well in zone 8–9 heat, making it one of the best native evergreen screening or specimen trees for the Gulf Coast garden. Hundreds of named cultivars exist — look for 'Fosteri' (compact), 'Savannah' (heavy fruiting, zone 7–9), and 'East Palatka' (Gulf Coast adapted).
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0