In the landscape
Barrier · Hedge · Specimen · Coastal · Butterfly · Childrens · Native · Pollinator
Data sources
American Holly
Ilex opaca · Tree
American Holly is a slow-growing tree, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 15–30 ft × 10–20 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect yellow, green and white blooms in spring. It attracts bees, butterflies and pollinators, stands up well to deer and salt and wind.
- USDA zones
- 5-9
- Sun
- Full sun, Part shade
- Water
- Medium
- Mature size
- 15–30 ft × 10–20 ft
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet
- Bloom color
- Yellow, Green, White
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Tough against
- Deer, Salt, Wind
- Toxic to
- People
- Native to
- Eastern and central United States
Will it survive your winters?
We score American Holly’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.
Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.
More plants for your zone: Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9
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