Ilex opaca aka American Holly

Taxonomy ID: 5728

Genus Ilex Family Aquifoliaceae Order Aquifoliales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Ilex opaca, commonly known as American holly, is an evergreen tree native to the eastern and south-central United States. It can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 120 centimeters. The bark is light gray and roughened by small warty lumps, while the branchlets are stout and green at first, later becoming smooth and brown. The leaves are alternate, stiff, and yellow-green with several sharp, spike-like points along the edges. The flowers are small and greenish-white, blooming in late spring in short pedunculate cymes from the axils of young leaves or scattered along the base of young branches. As a houseplant, American Holly is easy to grow and needs regular watering, as well as long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that retains moisture well and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. The plant belongs to the Ilex genus and is native to the Central and Eastern United States.

Common names

American Holly, White Holly, Christmas Holly

More information about American Holly

How difficult is it to take care of American Holly

With its straightforward care requirements, American Holly is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

What is the region of origin of American Holly

American Holly’s native range is Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas.

What are the water needs for American Holly

American Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for American Holly

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your American Holly is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

What is the sunlight requirement for American Holly

To ensure optimal growth, the American Holly prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

How to fertilize American Holly

The growth of American Holly is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Is American Holly toxic to humans/pets?

American Holly is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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