CONSIDER AMERICAN HOLLY IN YOUR DESIGN PLANS

 A beautiful tree:

        Ilex opaca has many elements that fit into good design, a few noteworthy are:

                Year round appeal

                Unique texture

                Color contrast

                Pyramidal to columnar in shape

                Site suitable from full sun to understory

                iWet to well drained soil compatibility

Native to Delmarva:

       American Holly, Ilex opaca is distributed all along the U. S. Atlantic coast.  The Pilgrims noticed the similarity to the popular English Holly, Ilex aquifolium.  There are many advantages to using native holly, including:

                Reduced pest pressure

                Birds eat the berries in spring and use the leaves for cover

                Design requirements frequently specify natives

                The transition to the surrounding environs flows naturally.

Whitetail deer resistance:

        Deer don’t like the leaves of the slow growing American Holly.  If deer are a problem in your area, Ilex opaca has proven superior to faster growing hollies such as hybrids like “Greenleaf”, or “Nellie Stevens”, or the blue hollies where even hardened growth can be palatable to deer.  Our experience shows that there is a short window of succulent growth, before new leaves harden off, when some nibbling by deer may occur. 

Slow Growing:

       American Holly can be size maintained by shearing without the suckering you would find in more vigorous woody plants.  Left alone they will maintain steady controlled growth of 6” to 12” per year.  I. opaca also works well as a hedge.

Cultural attachment:

        Associated with Christmas, holly cuttings are found in wreaths and are easily recognized by all Americans.  Ilex opaca is the State Tree of Delaware.

Remember:

        Ilex opaca is a dioecious plant.  Berried selections will need a compatible male in close proximity for good pollination.  Choose cultivars proven locally to get the most predictable plants as to all the above factors, including winter hardiness.