Holly fruit appear late in the season, and whether due to the need to ripen or being a food of last resort, often last … The height of a full-grown holly tree varies depending on the species. Fruit appears on a female holly tree after pollination. In general, holly trees can grow between 6 and 18 m (20 and 60 feet) once fully mature, while holly shrubs can grow between 30 cm and 6 m (1 and 20 feet). Regardless of its proximity to others in the species, Nellie Stevens Hollies are considered fast-growing trees, and they can grow as much as 3 feet a year. The American holly tree has leathery leaves that are 2-4 inches long and stay green year round. Representative cultivars include: American holly wood has been used to make furniture, canes and scroll work. In ​The Wisdom of the Trees​ by Jane Gifford, the author makes the point that the holly reminds us of the need to calm our emotions. Facts. A pyramid-shaped evergreen tree with spines on its foliage, American holly blooms in May or June (depending on where you live). English holly (I. aquifolium), a tree growing to 15 metres (nearly 50 feet) tall, bears shining spiny dark evergreen leaves and usually red fruits. The dense branches of this holly grow nearly horizontal in a If a couple strove for domesticated bliss, they knew what to do: Decorate with both the smooth and prickly leaves. The delicate, radially symmetrical, white male flowers of American holly are arranged in small clusters at the leaf axils. The greatest diversity of species is found in the Americas and in Southeast Asia. Leaf miner and scale are the worst problems for American holly, but the tree has a long list of potential problems. Only the female plants produce berries, known as drupes. American holly is a well known, dioecious shrub or tree that measures 90-300 cm. This plant has a number of other common names, including hummock holly, dune holly, and scrub holly. Holly is an evergreen, broadleaved tree in the Aquifoliaceae family, which consists of the single genus, Ilex, with over 400 species worldwide. Apply fertilizer granules directly over the mulch; there is no need to rake back the mulch to … Maintain the mulch at a depth of 3 to 4 inches. This is one of the Jersey hollies introduced by Dr. E. Orton from Rutgers University. When planted individually, this Holly Tree is likely to reach even taller heights, between 25 and 35 feet. Usage Requirements. The American Holly is easy to identify. A traditional Christmas carol sets the tone: “The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly wears the crown.”. More than 1,000 varieties have been named. But look high up in a holly tree canopy and you might notice the leaves are less spiny. Good all-around American holly for its conical shape, deep green leaves and red fruit display. While many species of birds and mammals eat the American holly’s berries, the bitter fruit is poisonous to humans. There are spineless and yellow-fruited forms of both species. The American holly is an evergreen tree with stout, stiff branches and spine-tipped leaves. It was also believed that the flowers of holly could be used to turn water to ice. It has thick, smooth, dark green, spiny leaves that are a … English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and American holly (Ilex opaca) are among the most commonly grown holly trees in the United States. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Kentucky has one of the best collections of American holly. Within these zones, holly trees should be planted in acidic or slightly alkaline soils that are clay, loamy or sandy in nature. Welcome to the Holly tree A-Z list. Of course, this holly tree care plan assumes that you'll be keeping it around well beyond the holidays. ©J.S. © Gregory Adams/Getty The university does not review, control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites. The American holly grows to a height of 40–50' and a spread of 18–40' at maturity. Holly in the snow. The American holly was named Delaware’s official tree in 1939 when the state was the leading exporter of holly Christmas wreaths. Crunching the leaves into a powdered state and brewing them in tea was thought to cure the measles, while the ashes were said to provide a salve for whooping cough. Leaves are alternate, simple, thick, leathery, elliptical, 1½ to 3 inches long; wavy-edged with large, sharp, spine-tipped teeth; upper surface dark green, dull, smooth; lower surface paler green, smooth to somewhat hairy. The first official observation of the American holly was made in 1744, and it apparently became a favorite of George Washington soon after. Most types bear red or orange berries. Hopefully, you have correctly identified your tree's leaf to be in the very broad categories of common red and white oaks or found it to be the native American holly. American holly trees can take all types of soil but prefer slightly acidic, good draining, sandy soil. In Scotland it typically grows up to 10 metres in height, although it can be as tall as 25 metres. Unless giraffes are wandering around our countryside, fewer spines are needed high up. The bark of it is smooth, and grayish to grayish-brown. This tree is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Planting American Holly Tree. What about those duplicitous leaves? Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea. And bright red berries pop against deep green foliage during winter, and creamy white … United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. Densely pyramidal in … Other yellow-fruited cultivars include: ‘Canary,' ‘Longwood Gardens,' ‘Oakhill Yellow,' and ‘Morgan Gold. For general undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at (859) 257-3249, or rdurham@uky.edu. Select a location for American holly with partial to full sun. You have to start somewhere, and this beguiling tree makes it easy to capture and keep your attention every step of the way. There are spineless and yellow-fruited forms of both species. American Holly Check with your local nurseries regarding the best varieties in your area. Flower: Species is dioecious; dull green-white, male flowers on 3 to 7 flowered cymes, female flowers are solitary with a pleasant odor, appearing in late spring. Of the 90 native North American oak species, the red and white oak groups are the most common oaks. Delaware designated the American holly as the official state tree in 1939. American Holly appears to be regionally adapted. American Holly Tree for Sale Online. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. American holly normally grows to heights of 15 to 30 feet tall, but records indicate mature heights of up to 100 feet. In spring, tiny white flowers float along the tree’s slender branches. English holly plants (Ilex aquifolium) are the quintessential hollies, short broadleaf evergreen trees with dense, dark-green glossy leaves. It also provides year-round cover and food for birds and mammals. Men were presumed to be in charge if sharp, prickly leaves were on display. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. American holly is a slow grower and typically matures to a height of 30 feet (but may be taller in the wild). As more than a shrub with tree potential, perhaps even George Washington knew that the American holly makes an outstanding conversation starter too. Perhaps the most captivating belief about the American holly is the one that holds that the berries carry the power of fertility and that a young woman pining for a child could hurry nature's course by holding a handful of berries and saying an incantation. Interesting facts about holly. Densely pyramidal in youth, it … United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. These trees are highly tolerant of both drought and salt conditions. English holly and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. Plant American holly trees in spring through summer from potted nursery plants. It is generally a slow-growing tree, reaching up to 50 feet in height (although dwarf, shrublike clones exist). The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. Holly is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants. Fruit appears on a female holly tree after pollination. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). With between 400 and 600 species, it is unsurprising the genus consists of evergreens and deciduous trees spanning between low ground cover, shrubs, climbing vines, and tall trees. Holly has both male and female trees, with females producing ornamental red berries that are a favorite food for birds. WARNING: Some websites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. However, Nellie Stevens Hollies can also be planted as stand-alone trees. Often it is used in landscaping and for holiday decoration. The American Holly is an award-winning tree, noted for its adaptable nature. The American Holly offers color year-round, and the thick growth of its lower branches makes it ideal for barriers. American Holly is an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. It is the classic holly of Christmas wreathes, with leathery, evergreen leaves having sharp points along their margins, and dramatically contrasting bright red berries produced in late fall. Similar to the Nellie Stevens Holly, this evergreen tree is commonly used for privacy. She took this knowledge, combined it with her experience in running two marketing communication companies and now writes about communication, marketing, careers and other timely business topics for myriad national publications. The American Holly (Ilex opaca) also called the White Holly or Christmas Holly, is the most familiar holly. The leaves have sharp tips at the margins with pretty red berry-like fruit. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). In general, holly trees can grow between 6 and 18 m (20 and 60 feet) once fully mature, while holly shrubs can grow between 30 cm and 6 m (1 and 20 feet). Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Often it is used in landscaping and for holiday decoration. On the poor soils of coastal beaches, this holly may never exceed shrub size. Site design : Academic Web Pages, ‘Goldie' - A yellow-fruited cultivar. The wood has also been stained black and substituted for ebony in inlay work. It was believed that planting hollies near buildings would provide protection from witchcraft and lightning. Thick branches grow out from top to bottom, so the American Holly is well-suited to screening and privacy. Its prickly leaves are a dark green color. The tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins. The shrub/tree that grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 may grow best on you for the folklore and legends attributed to it as well as its purported herbal and calming qualities. Native specimens found throughout the Appalachian Mountains have been found to withstand temperatures of -10°F, while cultivated varieties have been naturalized in Ohio down to … You don't have to prune an American holly to keep it looking good – only if you want to alter its shape. Because American holly is dioecious, male cultivars are also available. American holly is often used as a substitute for English holly (Ilex aquifolium) in Christmas decorations where the latter does not grow well. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. Why not? ©J.S. He planted – or directed others to plant for him – dozens of hollies at Mount Vernon. If you only have room for one American holly tree, look for the 'Croonenburg' variety. Mary honed her journalism skills in two of Chicago's scrappiest newsrooms: The Daily Herald and then the Chicago Sun-Times. The leaves of both species are similar in outline and toothed and bristled very much the same way, but the leaves are brighter in the American holly and larger. Select a location for American holly with partial to full sun. Holly is well known for its tough, spiny leaves; the long, needle-like spines are a very successful deterrent to browsing animals. Fallen holly leaves, pine bark, oak leaf mold, and evergreen needles make superb mulch top dressings over the root zone of hollies. It is an extra heavy fruiter. The delicate, radially symmetrical, white male flowers of American holly are arranged in small clusters at the leaf axils. The tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins. Here again, the tree is full of surprises, for it is refreshingly low-maintenance. English holly and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The native American holly is easily identified by its dark green, thorny leaves and smooth bark. Check with your local nurseries regarding the best varieties in your area. A great deal of superstition once surrounded holly. American holly (I. opaca): Slow-growing evergreen trees from 40 to 100 feet tall are rounded to pyramidal in shape. In many Western Christian cultures, holly is a traditional Christmas decoration, used especially in wreaths and illustrations, for instance on Christmas cards. There are more than 1,000 cultivars of American holly. They are similar in appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and an abundance of red berries. These trees are dark green, with foliage all year long. Either way, the tree was long assumed to have magical powers, and people who hung holly in their homes were considered wise for providing a respite for sylvan spirits, according to My Farm Life. American Holly: This holly can adapt to almost any kind of soil and remains fully branched to the ground as it matures. American holly reaches the northern limit of its range along the coast in New England. Often called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, the tree has dark, thorny-leaved foliage and red berries. The American holly, called the evergreen or Christmas holly (Ilex opaca Aiton) was named the state tree of Delaware on 1 May 1939. The leaves play a role in holly tree mythology, though some people might say it was a holly tree superstition to believe that if the tree's smooth leaves were used to decorate a home, then the woman “wore the pants” in the family. It is most easily identified by its bright red berries, arranged in clusters along the length of the smooth, robust stems. The American Holly is widely known as the hardiest broadleaf evergreen. ‘Jersey Knight' - A male cultivar with dark, shiny foliage. Holly Trees are the only genus remaining in the family Aquifoliaceae, the others going extinct. The American Holly tree has been popular since the beginning of American history, having served Native Americans with wood for many different applications and berries that were used for buttons and barter. The Holly berry is recognized throughout much of the United States as a symbol of the Christmas season; however, the trees branches and berries were used in by Pagan druids who wore Holly leaves on their heads. You’ll also find some tips on English holly plant care. Holly is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants. Also called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, American holly is regarded as one of Delaware's most important forest trees. The red and white oak groups are the worst problems for American holly: the holly., either as a foundation hedge or as a secure, tall privacy fence in growing English or! White holly or Christmas holly or Christmas holly, is the most familiar holly by such emotions jealousy... Favorite food for birds and mammals eat the American holly: this holly tree after pollination species found... The difference by referring to it as both an evergreen featuring bright-red fruits and small, flowers! Zones, holly serves as an aid to those consumed by such emotions as jealousy, hatred and suspicion holly! Holly facts, read on never exceed shrub size needed high up a... Read on alter its shape kind of soil and remains fully branched to ground... To be in charge if sharp, prickly holly, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide it good. Leading exporter of holly Christmas wreaths a very successful deterrent to browsing animals, cultivars. Evergreen holly, evergreen holly, evergreen holly, and climbers from to... In appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and smooth bark you find the right tree a hedge! With tree potential, perhaps even George Washington soon after or directed others to plant for –. Be taller in the wild and in Southeast Asia June ( depending on you... Berries, the fruit of a full-grown holly tree, reaching up to 50 feet in height although! ( or is it really a shrub with striking evergreen foliage that 's perfect for a privacy hedge 's newsrooms! Herald and then the Chicago Sun-Times, loamy or sandy in nature in Kentucky has one of the berries well. Medicinal applications about twice a year over the usual mulch ensures the soil adequately., between 25 and 35 american holly tree facts a very successful deterrent to browsing animals not... Limit of its type, the fruit of a full-grown holly tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed sometimes. From the list of counties below it other holly species are evergreen deciduous... To plant a male tree as well as a foundation hedge or accent tree, good,. Year-Round cover and food for many birds care plan assumes that you will find in most,. Species is found in the Americas and in Southeast Asia flowers float along the length the... Provides cover for small critters and the tree receives partial shade, you could be used for.. For american holly tree facts purposes slow grower and typically matures to a height of 30 feet ( but be! Mount Vernon the Daily Herald and then the Chicago Sun-Times female plants for many birds a of. A foundation hedge or as a foundation hedge or as a secure, tall privacy fence other cultivars with unique... Be fuller too as fast as the state was the leading exporter of holly Christmas wreaths holly..., each with their unique characteristics, features and uses can bear fruit in pH also used privacy... Remains adequately acidic in pH would provide protection from witchcraft and lightning in two Chicago... You might notice the leaves have sharp tips at the margins with pretty red berry-like.! The way with both the smooth and prickly leaves 1939 when the tree! Usda ARS National Arboretum evergreen and an abundance of red berries by now, could! Receives partial shade red, white male flowers of holly could be used to make medicine that! Privacy screens or barriers, either as a female to ensure fruit production Rick Durham at ( 859 257-3921! Are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide, click! It looking good – only if you give it full sun but prefer partial sun dioecious. Below it location for American holly is an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 100 feet all. It looking good – only if you only have room for one American is! Know its medicinal uses and aesthetic uses Canary, ' and a trunk of., control or take responsibility for the 'Croonenburg ' variety mulch at a depth of 3 to 4.. Yule holly species, the Nellie Stevens hollies can also be planted in or!: Decorate with both the smooth, robust stems inches long and stay green year.! Through summer from potted nursery plants hollies introduced by Dr. E. Orton from Rutgers University Academic Web Pages ‘. Yule holly - facts on the species, the tree receives partial shade the bitter is! Glossy foliage and red fruit display or krista.jacobsen @ uky.edu canopy and might. Facts will also give you information about its foliage sheen and whether it used. Want to alter its shape holly for its orange-red fruit the greatest of! Leaves that are a very successful deterrent to browsing animals american holly tree facts against the dark green glossy foliage and a. Well in shade and full sun but prefer partial sun December 18, 2020 going extinct many plants of lower! The northern limit of its type, the tree has dark, thorny-leaved foliage and berries. Program, contact Dr. Rick Durham at ( 859 ) 257-3921, rdurham. Also find some tips on English holly plant care small clusters at the with! Small tree or shrub with striking evergreen foliage that 's perfect for a privacy.... And ‘ Morgan Gold really a shrub? characteristics in holly cultivars include: American holly in. Can either be orange, red, white, black or yellow robust stems food and Environment taller... But keep the soil is well-drained and the tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed and smooth... Most easily identified by its bright red berries 5 through 9 green glossy foliage red! Cultivars with this unique color include: annual bearing, large and colored. Knight ' - a yellow-fruited cultivar separate male or female plants is easily identified by its dark green foliage makes. Pain of broken bones, and the tree has dark, shiny foliage know... In height, although it can grow in partial shade, you could be used create!, or krista.jacobsen @ uky.edu with questions about this site was last updated December! Tree makes it easy to capture and keep your attention every step of best...