Characteristics of American Holly Trees

Overview

Holly evokes holidays—wreaths, fireplace displays, centerpieces. Festive with spiky dark green leaves and bright red berries. Mature height 15–30 feet (to 100 feet in ideal conditions), pyramid shape. Can be trimmed as a shrub.

Basic Traits

Native to U.S.; widely available. Slow-growing perennial evergreen—no annual replanting. Dicotyledonous (seed has two embryonic leaves), like roses, geraniums, magnolias.

Physical Features

Growth in spring/summer; green-white blooms April–June. First flowers at 4–7 years. Gray-brown smooth bark. Horizontal branching creates pyramid. Stiff 2–4 inch evergreen leaves. Berries (red, sometimes yellow/orange) appear Sept–Oct, persist to spring, ~1/3 inch diameter.

Gardening Requirements

Dioecious: need male + female for berries (1 male per 3 females; bees pollinate). Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil; sun to partial shade. Amend with compost; annual acid fertilizer. Annual pruning for shape; heavy pruning in winter dormancy.