American Holly

Dec 20

Written By Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association

Ilex opaca (American Holly)

American Holly is a slow-growing (6-12”/year, on average), evergreen, typically cone-shaped tree that may reach heights of 75-100’, though up to 40’ is more typical in landscape plantings. According to the American Forest Official Registry of Champion Trees, the current champion lives in Arkansas at 64’ tall, though the City of Richmond hosts one that was 76’ tall in 2018.

Its wood is light in weight, white in color, strong, hard, close-grained, and often used for furniture inlays, musical instruments and sporting goods. The bright red, berry-like fruit, only born on female plants, is extensively eaten by thrushes, mockingbird, robin, catbird, bluebird and thrasher.

It is also a widely displayed and recognized symbol of abundance during the winter holidays. Before plastic decorations became commonly available, wreaths and other products made from American holly were an important cash crop. In the 30’s, the town of Milton, Delaware, produced more holly wreaths and decorations than any other town in the world, shipping them throughout the US and abroad! In 1939, in recognition of this importance, the state of Delaware decreed this their official state tree.