Verifying American Holly (Ilex opaca) Before Purchase

A buyer asked if hollies for sale were true American holly.

Key Traits of Ilex opaca

• **Native** to Eastern US.
• **Evergreen**, stiff glossy spiny leaves.
• **Female plants** bear red/yellow ¼–½" berries fall–spring.
• **Male + female** needed for fruit.
• Flowers greenish-white in spring; bloom at 5–7 years.
• Bark smooth, gray-brown.
• Naturally pyramidal.
• Over 1,000 cultivars exist.

Buying Advice

Purchase from **reputable nurseries with labeled plants**. Misidentification happens. Verify Latin name (Ilex opaca) on tag.