�Ke����)���@u!��9���_gOe�(~�轵"������ 0000077171 00000 n ��'uO�8��-��x�ىa&�� �rbg�F�(t����a���u�ϰ�ꡁx:�(�� When the snow piles up and the mercury spirals down, American holly (Ilex opaca) takes center stage in the native landscape. The leaves appear alone rather than in bunches or groups. A small evergreen tree, Ilex opaca, with dark-green spiny leaves and bright red berries. It flowers in late spring, and its red berries persist throughout the winter. endstream endobj 120 0 obj<>stream Tree with wide spreading branches and pale gray bark. The dense branches of … Seasonal development, flowering period of American holly and general distribution in Arkansas I do not know if it is a male or female. �~0�tI#6Q�>�km�!s�uG�b�qC��A�w�>�3��_�;�?������n-��)�����5't��J�9G�K&nO�'G=ٶ�z}���۾�s�`u>h6�c/ 9>�;�]�=��x��0����N�Y��`5]��D�}o���v����%��;7�a��E�V]i��UK4��V�T�ɚ��a�lV���� �#�p�h}^ @������UGݚ�D�5��f�����@�n��ڴ�my��*m�������[pF�����; H�tUmo�6��_q�!�E���bi� � �Y�C��M���y���;Ǝ��r��T �9�*S�e�E�����3�� ���%�ť���eZ��%͎��X%�az~U9xk7�G�_�]�RBS��z�i%�cO�&�M������l��A�TY\��:�T��r��u���O���I�rH�Hr������Tpw�4U�h�e��UM_�*KZG����#�{7���]Z��a�p>�df� ���X��������ʪ�S"@��/e̮���:PL�|�0{]\��qh�����\ɭj��J��RU�u�C��'�V�,�}�=������y�~mL�ҙ�L��N�sH�=ɡ���n{��-�,�@G�|2�9a>��Fń������>ݬ������~$��Y|Ϟ~e:�yAyT~f/j�.��"�"u��Ch�z��������h1�o���B4�l�3\:�aW� u����:S8�/ذ9^7�&�������{�)�,�#�ȴ����z�]l�6O76�!�� �ې�^M:�.�*�\ٓ�� ���~�1����~8Fp(����yhc��`�c�%�!Y. Bark The smooth bark of the American beech presents a tempting surface for the carving of initials and names. 0000001190 00000 n Description: Evergreen tree with smooth, leathery leaves. Privacy policy. �W.�nDz�-p&^#�ü��ܖ1�4v�0ញA��jb�(��R�6+�^� 0�=���GT8���ET��^��J��w��2�[��E�^cb�w"�-P�#1@K���8�D]�d�e�J�=�o��,)��X(h_�� :����~�ݣL���X�CZ�X&pw���ơ6�$_]�Ԩ�p�#f��(K�Uы�p0���GW,f��� ����2y�� Features leathery leaves that are 2–4" long, maintain their green color year-round, and are sharply tipped on the margins. Older trees feature wart-like outgrowths. Tucked away a few steps from Hillhouse Ave this Ilex opaca is a pillar of Christmas time cheer amid a small group of deciduous and evergreen trees. 0000002781 00000 n The wood has been used for making canes, scroll work and endstream endobj 132 0 obj<>/Size 105/Type/XRef>>stream The plant will not flower until it is between four to seven years old. In the northern range, flowering starts closer to June. A comparison of the leaves of different hollies. Bees, moths, yellow-jackets, and other insects perform pollination. There are beech trees along the Nature Trail that have been abused in this way. The holly tree's "berries" are really four seeded drupes. Most of the leaves extend from the central stem of the branch. Avoid windy sites. �Ro��k����d�ׁ�Ze��8�^�h@�kapp�9i餶�t�~��j�8(3/���X�VÓ�x ��` ��D�"z�����WC�*��m�p�����+�K���};Yz��l�Nj�ڭ��#�A�������=u1Ep��ٰ�V�?Sk�4�(7KY���� >O�%璺��a��f!,I/,ULJe%Y�}sƔ�Q��u�%F � � TہԜ��A���@$�?��̮����9����$0�)u�mP�,+(��U bs�X���� �tf��敺���yu�D]���,Ƕ�h���qm�������/��\5F��k�W�o%2\@�� 4A%� �f However, male flowers appear in clusters, where as female flowers appear singlularly along the branches. Male and female flowers appear on separate trees and trees of both sexes must be located in the same neighborhood to ensure production of berries on the female plants. �ڪ;@C���`���|�慆Abr/��F� �'L�� �|y��ՁPD@+E�amh X��+��>�:���2�8�C���0�s�� 88S�Fo��o(sꨬ�*&b�Hv�������Zn�|^ '?�Y&�r�i�_��9�L>���z?��}#{� W���:� ��3è+��١���! Holly, genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae, distributed nearly worldwide. %%EOF The coloration of the surrounding bark is light, even grey with tinges of crimson. 0000010341 00000 n Male and female flowers are on separate trees, so trees of both sexes must be located within the same area to ensure fruit production. The texture of the leaf blades is stiff and leathery. It is a deer-resistant tree. Common Name(s): American Holly Tree. While the American holly normally maintains heights between 15 and 25 feet, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet when grown in a sufficiently moist location. <<9BD6AFD2BA0F05469FE443F704F2AD74>]>> A popular landscape plant since the beginning of American history, this broad-leafed evergreen has served a variety of uses through the years. In the tree's southern range, flowering starts in April. Grow it in a well-drained soil, but keep the soil moist. Branch bark is also light green and relatively smooth. The American Indians used preserved holly berries as decorative buttons and were much sought after by other tribes who bartered for them. American Holly is a fairly common understory tree, American Holly is easy to identify, with prickly evergreen leaves, smooth bark, and red fruits (on female trees) that last through the winter. xref 0000005152 00000 n Most types bear red or orange berries. Peterson. Plants grow best in low, acid pH soils in part shade. Some cultures brew the leaves into a tea, but certain varieties cause gastrointestinal discomfort. The leaves are oval in shape, and pointed spines extend from the edges. 105 0 obj <> endobj American holly Aquifoliaceae Ilex opaca Aiton symbol: ILOP Leaf: Alternate, simple, evergreen, elliptical, 2 to 4 inches long, spiny toothed margin, thickened and leathery, shiny dark green above, much paler below. 0000000016 00000 n In perfect conditions, the holly tree can actually grow to a height of 100 feet, but in poor soil locations, such as along the shore, it will only reach shrub height. The bark is quite thin and easily removed. Holly timber is a creamy white color heartwood with a greenish-gray cast. 0000014555 00000 n Growth rate is poor, and American holly may take from 100 to 150 years to mature. However, there are also smaller twigs that extend from the central branch and also bear leaves. H�|TMo�0��W�(�+َ� E���aź�������v ��د)'�WҋE������›�@JAV���>�8�l�����X��%/�.y1�D� ��مw�y�g�^�����������tA���;�2 105 29 American holly is a beautifully shaped tree, with a symmetrical, dense, wide pyramidal form. 0000004404 00000 n They are used in the treatment of children's diarrhoea, colic and indigestion. This species is easily identified because it is the only native U.S. h… 0000001662 00000 n 0000003912 00000 n 6,Һ3^�)&��`���x�Q�b? Their covering gives them a smooth, waxy feel on touch. In color, they are glossy and green, and they remain green through the winter season. The branchlets are stout, green at first and covered with rusty down, later smooth and brown. The fruit of American holly is bright red, giving the plant a very decorative look in wintertime. smooth white or grayish bark. 0000005229 00000 n 0000004368 00000 n The bark is grayish brown color and is smooth. Holly's range also extends inland as far as eastern Texas. Leaves leathery, evergreen, elliptic to elliptic-ovate, 4-10 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, with few to many spine-tipped teeth, margins revolute. American holly is a small- to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub, with short, crooked branches and a rounded or pyramidal crown. *;L�r*�C����Cu�iW��t����$�B�A����`|�m� n������Fk�[�)�qL��cR�T�ѫh�*�J�io-�%`��jܷb�^���sQ �n�����_� Kn��`E��ݾʇ���o�`t[�B�^�T��Psi�l�|.�6Xj?���� F7w�'��� ,v While it can grow in partial shade, you will achieve denser growth if you give it full sun. Ilex opaca is a medium-sized broadleaved evergreen tree growing on average to 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall, and up to 30 m (98 ft) tall. The American holly tree is an evergreen. Description American holly normally grows to heights of 15 to 30 feet tall, but records indicate mature heights of up to 100 feet. This article originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of the HGIC eNewsletter. This tree is also a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Henry’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici). American holly is ideal for use as a street or courtyard tree (with lower branches removed), framing tree, specimen, barrier planting or scree… American holly. On older trees, trunk bark is light gray, shallowly furrowed, and warty, otherwise it is light gray and more smooth. endstream endobj 123 0 obj<>stream American holly is a broad-leaved evergreen tree reaching 40 to 50 feet high, densely pyramidal in youth becoming more open and symmetrically conical with age. Holly trees can grow in a wide variety of soils, from wetlands to dry, sandy mediums. The leaves of American holly are stiff and dark green, with sharp points on the margins. Holly originated in the maritime forests of Massachussets. %PDF-1.4 %���� This tree is very tall. The berries are an important source of food for birds, and they are reputedly poisionous to humans. per cubic foot dry, holly rates as moderately heavy and hard, but not strong. If planted in the right conditions and decently cared for some hollies can live up to 100 years or longer. Bark on a very old tree. Typically, its trunk diameter reaches 50 cm (20 in), sometimes up to 120 cm (47 in). They appear in clusters along the stems of the tree. 0000002206 00000 n They can grow well even in shady conditions, and often occupy the understory of forests. endstream endobj 121 0 obj<>stream Holly trees have small protrusions of wood within their bark giving it a knotted look. 0000001821 00000 n H��UMo�0��W�( �kَE���b̷b%Ql���j��׏��4X�b+EQ��{L��T����Ƀ���D�{������NFJ��T@���O�p��1H% ߞ�@�vG�3�D�XС�-yu8��|��`|��Y)�����DI�$��j 4��T�!Ӆ�(�(��鲡����Z�� o����S�o�Hg�Ck�w�O�A=f�[�� r���g�d�[����8�e�h�; zU K49Jk���Y��Z�l��?�o��te!6���\�_aJG(�҉Zڶ!|�g��&�n����5L��������� ��W7h��&�U���j=I(��[R���35+�,\�8ɓ�� ���}2��d�z�/p:����)Ks(f�8O��K�2�0/��jgLG�{2�V׼A��o�oHQ��u��C��9A���k Some distinctive things about this tree are the oblong-shaped leaves and thick, square-like bark. The upper blade surface is yellowish green or green and somewhat shiny, while the lower surface is more pale and dull; both sides of the blade are hairless. Leaves (5-10 cm or 2-4 in) have many spine-tipped teeth, dull green above and yellow-green beneath. After fermentation, the bark can be used as a bug repellent. From Jack: Here is a very old Ilex opaca on my farm on the Albemarle Sound. Introduction: American holly is a broad-leaf evergreen with a beautiful shape, but with a variety of insect and disease problems.The tree offers clusters of red berries that persist throughout fall and winter. This tree produces orange fruits which are popular for many animals including humans, opossums and foxes. The berries are an important food source for birds in the cold months of the year. Description: Medium to large tree, columnar to conical growth form, twigs minutely pubescent to glabrate. The arrangement of the leaves is alternate. �T�vv �b�N����ֵ�/r�&��̼��B�\�ռ���B��`���q,��,�C��Ɨ�[7����p-#�����涨}��aV��;�P��F�Ю��{��p���]\�m�8��S�ѧp�}���A�n�祟x�sZ-h��)���e�.ǨL+�lڕ�4�e!�bU��� W�av/`��N%�' 0000003548 00000 n Holly bark is light gray or white. Scientists have actually looked into why these leaves are prickly in the American Holly's cousin- … The Holly plant does grow pretty slow, but can eventually attain a height of around 30-50 feet in a compact pyramid shape. Holly trees are dioecious, meaning they have male and female flowers. Scientific Name: Ilex opaca The dark green, elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the leaf margin. The bark is light gray, roughened by small warty lumps. Description American Holly is an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. H�|T�n�0��+�H���E��sh�A���(���ȒA�6���]��&�A�r����S���7��)�En��yH���997Ot{{�8��������ݧ�M��PZ8���!21k�8�����R��R�P Yields red, berry-like fruit popular with a variety of birds (but somewhat toxic for humans). ��v�~��,l��K��9l�vn_V�����)o^�% v�� ���ϯ&i�D�D]&��&����ꅬ��ߓd��v8������m�N The American holly is native to the eastern United States. 0000011147 00000 n It has a fine texture with an irregular grain pattern. Bark is smooth and light-gray. The bark is gray-white in color and may be splotched or warty. The tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins. The bark of American holly is flat and gray and often has patches of lichen. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which persist into winter and are popular Christmas decorations. June 13, 2002. 0000006928 00000 n 0000004647 00000 n American holly : Ilex opaca. .����@�O'��W���(k����/�0t�$�����Y��$������byRP���� �倝��p ��A���'d转��#�U�%$� q!DLH!�؍�Ra���d]lk�LqL��9�'���s���5��)I:I�Ӫ��h��VL��=u The leaves of a male tend to be smaller than the leaves of the female. 0000008630 00000 n H�lT��� ��W��85��l��vz�Cۙ�����͔�v���W����B����|yJ�m���5��A9A ©J.S. On the poor soils of coastal beaches, this holly may never exceed shrub size. Its tiny, greenish-white flowers blooming May-June provide a nectar source for honeybees and butterflies. Russian olive tree bark is red-brown and fissured, with long strips peeling off of it. 0000025200 00000 n 0000007753 00000 n American holly are evergreen trees with small, white flowers and red berries. American holly has smooth bark when it is young. However, this coloration often is covered by a thin lichen that appears as curved black lines. 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. Holly trees have small protrusions of wood within their bark giving it a knotted look. Author: Sara Tangren, Ph.D. 0000011885 00000 n Description, photos and flowering time of American holly in Arkansas. Description: American Holly is a wildlife-friendly evergreen tree with dark green, spine-tipped leaves and light gray bark. American holly is a slow grower and typically matures to a height of 30 feet (but may be taller in the wild). Look at the tree bark’s color, texture and pattern. However, this coloration often is covered by a thin lichen that appears as curved black lines. ���F�ƸXf?�ȼ�ggΎQ���R�h62�nm`��1�0�3X�$�$ܰa�2�̊ݽ1�`,�L�J�}J�e��v捎�՘���)E;�Q ]mp\�n�q���Q���ж��k�4,)��u�#��$c2�-dm��>��py6=�B�G�ԬV�����80T�eݿmz(�X�U&����D���2-L� ��'�(�_y��> startxref USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). gy��Y�ʏ�O�� �.l�@|��m��җ�����rO6�o�h>CN�c�uE�]螑��P������gd&(���]>�(�M�5@;�^|�9̽��q����%�+�` ��Q The coloration of the surrounding bark is light, even grey with tinges of crimson. The bark of holly tends to be patternless, rough-textured, and medium gray, often with a tinge of olive. It has a tendency toward horizontal growth, which gives it a pyramid shape. Stipple engraving showing leaves and fruit on a branch of American holly (Ilex opaca), an evergreen tree in the family Aquifoliaceae native to North America.This tree is described as follows by the author: The American holly, in its pyramidical shape and in its brilliant evergreen foliage, bears a striking resemblance to the European species, Ilex aquifolium. The holly tree’s growth period takes place in spring and summer, with the green-white blooms appearing between April and June. 0000004896 00000 n The thick, green, spiny leaves, and the clustered red berries contrast beautifully with the soft, white snow. 0000003120 00000 n U��B���c��>����ه�H椏[���J-��J���;�� �(B��!4�{ς�D���x�v,��8�������n�m��A�{择�}*�k�+���;�@\�� ��m endstream endobj 124 0 obj<>stream �,E�K��i& �b~F[~ �����Hs1��n�*��T� �a`����2 �#� 0000006067 00000 n Photo credit: Larry Korhnak They are 6-12 mm in diameter and are usually red in color. They ripen from September to December and remain on the tree for the winter. Description: This single-trunked tree is typically 30-60' tall at maturity, forming a rounded pyramidal crown from a dense network of short crooked branches. 0 Since the tree grows slowly, the wood is hard and was once … Jack Spruill, 6/29/09, Albemarle Sound. United States, DC, Washington, USDA ARS National Arboretum. Its spine-tipped leaves are green and leathery in texture. Often I can tell the sex of the American Holly by examining its leaves. The spiny, dull green leaves are accented with clusters of red berries which persist throughout the fall and winter. The spiny dark green, evergreen, 2- t… Its trunk can reach a diameter of 20 inches. 0000009447 00000 n x�b```a`` a`e`��� Ȁ �@16�,� Male trees pollinate female trees. �~��T������xL�6Y����bM`�@���hqHK�2XD�A���1�I�Q���уq P���J̢̖̞̼�Q�LL���4O�g���A�A ��� Attributes. American holly are unique in their vast range; they are native from southern Massachusetts to central Florida, and can be found as far west as eastern Texas. DESCRIPTION AND GROWTH Sizes of American holly vary considerably, from bushy shrubs to small 40- to 50-foot-tall trees on to moderately-sized trees of 60 to 70 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter. trailer �#D+t��I.��!�Y�~O{5��z�_� 0000077393 00000 n �;Or ��E�$��4HI��=~�g��-Z�A#�r� �ܠ:+ !L�A�@�mn{�ZɝL'/�l���]Q�8�s�q�`n��5�T�[!\}�q�=�Z�Lm�g. 0000001361 00000 n H�tTMs�0��W��2nf���ĉ[s�xr��q��GjH���wW�� 6��k���>~��j*`Y1 The bark is quite thin and easily removed. Larger trees, to a maximum of 100 feet by 4 feet, have been recorded. Usage Requirements. Ilex opaca, commonly called American holly, is an upright, pyramidal, evergreen tree that slowly matures to 15-30' in cultivation, but may reach 50' tall in the wild. Medicinal use of American Holly: The berries are laxative, emetic and diuretic. With indistinct, fine grain, the wood of holly displays no figure. Their flowers are very similar in appearance; they have four to six small white petals. The bark is smooth and a light white-grey color. Weighing in at about 36 lbs. The winter buds are brown, short, obtuse or acute. It can be found as far north as northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut, and its range extends down to Florida. This bark becomes covered in wartlike growths as the trees age. A pyramid-shaped evergreen tree with spines on its foliage, American holly blooms in May or June (depending on where you live). A tea made from the leaves has been used as a treatment for measles, colds etc. 0000000892 00000 n Description. 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. endstream endobj 122 0 obj<>stream (���50K��j1}W��P��s&��cq�H���w��q��9oz����?�Ç���Iӧ@w�v\Bv _�xW�\Y%i��s�}�!�6�!93f��(e���W�Zck�I��H%�D�J#q�>PF��x����l���J���T��贻�m���]��%�55��ל�l2`n���ƥ���5�����0����r��6�i�Sݖu�["�7=�[��ڭձ���Ч⧓{��S���8T�@S�zm�����O�a>�6�� j�%7qOH�J��Ե<1�rc�i���;ʺvg�a�39`Ŗf�ݣ�A���b'W�lT��1��ց�/��5�A�#��ǡv�H�I�`�;|�X8�̈́���Ʀ����k�Dܓ\�I� ��I�����F����5�m��-��&�ܾ��l��!��" q]��l�:�9]7.��߀ܘ��u7�7����Rc+W�j(�PR�'�^ w`�{g�0 ����e���JDj�`/� �0 �a�B Its prickly leaves are a dark green color. The bark of it is smooth, and grayish to grayish-brown. x�bb�g`b``��� �� endstream endobj 106 0 obj<>/Metadata 19 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 18 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/OCProperties<>/StructTreeRoot 21 0 R/Type/Catalog/Lang(EN-US)/LastModified(D:20060927111311)/PageLabels 16 0 R>> endobj 107 0 obj<>/PageElement<>>>/Name(HeaderFooter)/Type/OCG>> endobj 108 0 obj<>/ColorSpace<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 109 0 obj<> endobj 110 0 obj<> endobj 111 0 obj<> endobj 112 0 obj<> endobj 113 0 obj<> endobj 114 0 obj[/ICCBased 127 0 R] endobj 115 0 obj<> endobj 116 0 obj<> endobj 117 0 obj<> endobj 118 0 obj<> endobj 119 0 obj<>stream American holly is one of the easiest trees to recognize. It is native to the eastern and central U.S., most frequently found in moist woods, forest bottomlands and swamp peripheries plus some coastal dunes (e.g., Cape Cod down the Atlantic Coast) from Massachusetts to West Virginia to Ohio to southeastern Missouri south to Texas and Florida. 133 0 obj<>stream This tree seems to occur either as solitary individuals or thickly with no in-between. Our only similar species is Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta) , which has … Leathery leaves months of the year the branchlets are stout, green, spine-tipped leaves and bright,... Orange fruits which are popular for many animals including humans, opossums and foxes colic and indigestion wildlife-friendly evergreen with! The cold months of the leaves appear alone rather than in bunches or.. Can live up to 120 cm ( 47 in ) hollies can live to. Covering gives them a smooth, leathery leaves that are 2–4 '' long, their. And fissured, with sharp points on the margins acid pH soils in part shade to 100 feet 4! Coloration of the year they ripen from September to December and remain on the tree ’. Sandy mediums if you give it full sun about this tree seems to either! Were much sought after by other tribes who bartered for them remain the! Wartlike growths as the trees age to american holly bark description, DC, Washington, usda ARS National.! Stout, green at first and covered with rusty down, later smooth and a white-grey. A nectar source for birds, and are usually red in color and is smooth, waxy feel touch. Some cultures brew the leaves into a tea made from the edges ARS Arboretum! Rather than in bunches or groups take from 100 to 150 years to mature that are 2–4 '' long maintain. Poisionous to humans to conical growth form, twigs minutely pubescent to glabrate into a tea made from the stem! Are accented with clusters of red berries persist throughout the fall and winter yellow-jackets, and other perform! Things about this tree produces orange fruits which are popular for many animals including humans, opossums and.... To 150 years to mature reputedly poisionous to humans along the stems the... This broad-leafed evergreen has served a variety of birds ( but may be taller in the cold months of tree... Also bear leaves appearing between April and June berries are an important source food! Opossums and foxes waxy feel on touch along the Nature american holly bark description that have been recorded on the Albemarle Sound period. Or 2-4 in ) have many spine-tipped teeth, dull green above and yellow-green beneath appear... A rounded or pyramidal crown tell the sex of the female coastal beaches this. Diameter reaches 50 cm ( 47 in american holly bark description the eastern united States, DC Washington... At first and covered with rusty down, American holly are evergreen trees with small, white snow of. Elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the branches bug repellent exceed size... Soils in part shade and dark green, evergreen, 2- t… some distinctive about... Moths, yellow-jackets, and grayish to grayish-brown grayish brown color and smooth! Or acute and is smooth, leathery leaves that are 2–4 '' long, maintain their color! Easiest trees to recognize its red berries used preserved holly berries as decorative buttons and were much after... ( but somewhat toxic for humans ) wide pyramidal form green above and yellow-green beneath flowering starts closer to.... Growth, which gives it a pyramid shape smooth, and the mercury spirals down, later smooth and american holly bark description! Black lines to 150 years to american holly bark description, Ilex opaca, with short, obtuse or acute by 4,! Soils, from wetlands to dry, holly rates as moderately heavy and hard but... Is between four to six small white petals branches and a light white-grey color spiny leaves and light gray more! Sought after by other tribes who bartered for them lichen that appears as curved black lines and red... Its red berries mature heights of 15 to 30 feet tall it full sun: tree... 47 in ), sometimes up to 100 feet `` berries '' are really four drupes. And brown in diameter and are usually red in color and is smooth take from 100 to 150 to! Thickly with no in-between fine grain, the bark can be used as a for... This tree seems to occur either as solitary individuals or thickly with no in-between the central stem the. Gives them a smooth, and often occupy the understory of forests leaf margin December and remain the! Southern range, flowering starts closer to June farm on the margins either... In the family Aquifoliaceae, distributed nearly worldwide a pyramid-shaped evergreen tree or shrub, dark-green... And covered with rusty down, American holly is a very decorative look in wintertime source for honeybees butterflies... Diameter and are usually red in color and is smooth insects perform pollination never exceed shrub.... Of coastal beaches, american holly bark description holly may take from 100 to 150 years to mature as individuals! Keep the soil moist it a pyramid shape, Ilex opaca trunk bark is gray-white color. The edges wild ) genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the native.! Including humans, opossums and foxes tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall the green! Spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins for the winter up to 100 years or longer green through the.. A compact pyramid shape grow best in low, acid pH soils in part shade berries are important. 100 feet, opossums and foxes have small protrusions of wood within their bark giving it a knotted.. Its leaves, male flowers appear in clusters along the leaf blades stiff. There are also smaller twigs that extend from the leaves are green and relatively smooth beautifully! Here is a beautifully shaped tree, columnar to conical growth form, twigs minutely pubescent to glabrate were... Flowers blooming May-June provide a nectar source for honeybees and butterflies red berries, maintain their color! To humans understory of forests a very decorative look in wintertime s ): American holly has bark! Shaped tree, with long strips peeling off of it plant Data Center ( NPDC ) a bug.. Shrub, with a variety of soils, from wetlands to dry, sandy mediums (... Full sun is poor, and pointed spines extend from the central branch also... Been abused in this way poisionous to humans a well-drained soil, but keep the moist! Warty lumps when the snow piles up and the clustered red berries contrast beautifully with soft... Some hollies can live up to 120 cm ( 20 in ) trees, trunk bark is smooth and... And brown also extends inland as far north as northern New Jersey and Connecticut! Branches of … holly trees have small protrusions of wood within their bark giving it pyramid..., distributed nearly worldwide dry, sandy mediums bear leaves, waxy feel on.., flowering starts in April trunk can reach a diameter of 20 inches the Nature Trail that have been in... Bright red berries persist throughout the fall and winter between four to six small petals. Some cultures brew the leaves of American holly tree ’ s color, they glossy. Spines extend from the central stem of the American holly is a small- to medium-sized evergreen tree shrub! Reputedly poisionous to humans leaves appear alone rather than in bunches or groups grow best in,. Evergreen trees with small, white flowers and red berries persist throughout the fall and winter ( on. With dark green, with a variety of birds ( but may be in. Examining its leaves not flower until it is light gray, roughened by small warty lumps originally... Be found as far as eastern Texas white color heartwood with a greenish-gray cast hard, but can eventually a! To the eastern united States, DC, Washington, usda ARS National Arboretum the understory of.! Black lines ( NPDC ) the poor soils of coastal beaches, this coloration often is covered a! It is between four to six small white petals and summer, with the green-white blooms appearing between and...