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Public Plant Profile

American Holly

Ilex opaca

Category: Evergreen Tree • Holly

Discover the American Holly, a versatile evergreen with red berries, perfect for screening and foundation planting.

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Mature Height: 15-30 ft

Mature Width: 10-20 ft

Light: Sun

Zone: Zones 5-9

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Slow

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Evergreen

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

American Holly is a popular evergreen tree known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. It is often used for ornamental purposes and provides excellent wildlife habitat.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, with moderate moisture levels. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and adapts to various soil conditions.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenscreeningfoundation planting

Special Features

Evergreen foliagered berrieswildlife attraction

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Use as a focal point or hedge. Provides year-round interest with its berries and foliage.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where American Holly may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Holly a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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