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Ilex opaca - American Holly

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Ilex opaca is affectionately recognized as the American Holly, a majestic, pyramid-shaped evergreen tree that stands as a seamless blend of beauty, resilience, and practicality. Gracing the landscape with a dense spread of deep green prickly leaves, it can reach a sky-touching height between 15 and 60 feet, creating a striking visual spectacle all year round. This tree is optionally positioned to bask in full sun or partial shade and possesses moderate water consumption needs. As the chill of winter sets in, the American Holly further declares its presence with clusters of dazzling red berries, serving as a timely festive garnish and more than a mere feast for the eyes – they also prove a food source for various appreciative bird species. Standing tall and proud in USDA zones 5-9, get ready for the American Holly to thrive amidst well-drained, acidic soils while showing its strength with remarkable drought resistance and pollution tolerance. The American Holly threads the needle between captivating aesthetics and grounding functionality, making it an outstanding choice for people seeking year-round display and ecological benefits.

  • Size: 15-60 feet tall
  • Foliage: Dark green, prickly leaves
  • Water usage: Moderate
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Berries: Produces bright red berries which attract various bird species
  • Additional feature: Resilient, drought-resistant, and tolerant to pollutants.
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