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A mature American Holly (Ilex opaca) growing in a residential garden bedFlowering Trees

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Data sources

American Holly

Ilex opaca

American Holly is a slow-growing flowering 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, 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

Freeze survival

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.

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