American Holly
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Slow (1 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
Secure checkoutLicensed & insured installation crew
About American Holly
American Holly (Ilex opaca) is the native evergreen holly of the eastern United States, a slow-growing but long-lived tree reaching 30-50 feet with the classic spiny, dull-green leaves and red winter berries associated with the species. Unlike self-fruiting hybrid hollies such as Nellie R. Stevens, American Holly is dioecious, meaning separate male and female plants are required for the females to set berries, so at least one male should be planted within pollinating range. As a true Georgia native, it is exceptionally well adapted to Piedmont clay soils, tolerates both sun and considerable shade beneath a taller canopy, and supports native wildlife, including berries that feed cedar waxwings and other birds through winter. Growth is slow at about 1 foot per year, so it is best chosen by customers planning a long-term screen or specimen tree rather than a quick fix. Its dense, pyramidal form and rough, spiny leaves also make it useful as a barrier planting, and its wood and wide native range have long made it a traditional Southern landscape tree.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 30-50 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 18-25 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate until established, then drought tolerant |
| Bloom Season | N/A (small spring flowers; berries need male and female plants) |
| Growth Rate | Slow (1 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | Yes |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
American Holly tolerates Georgia's clay soil and both sun and shade, making it flexible for wooded or open Gwinnett County lots. Plant at least one male cultivar for every 8-10 female plants to ensure berry production. Because growth is slow, choose a larger container size if a faster-established screen is the goal, and mulch well to conserve moisture while the extensive root system develops.
Great For
Fast Facts
- Georgia native evergreen tree, mature height 30-50 ft
- Slow growth: about 1 ft per year
- Dioecious — needs both male and female plants for berries
- Tolerates full sun to significant shade
- Deer resistant, supports native bird species
- Long-lived, traditional Southern holiday holly
Pairs Well With
American Holly FAQs
Do you need a male and female American Holly to get berries?
Yes, American Holly is dioecious, so a female plant only produces berries if a male American Holly (or compatible male Ilex opaca cultivar) is growing within bee-pollinating range, typically within a few hundred feet. Without a male nearby, female plants will flower but set no berries.
How fast does American Holly grow?
American Holly grows slowly, about 1 foot per year, much slower than hybrid hollies like Nellie R. Stevens. Because of this, we recommend starting with a larger container size if you want a mature-looking screen or specimen within a shorter timeframe.