American Holly Tree

Ilex opaca

Nature Hills Nursery

Native American Holly with Dense, Spiny Foliage Perfect for Winter Interest and Holiday Decorations
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Showy White Blooms in Late Spring

$128⁷⁰

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Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Salt Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	30-50 ft
Width	15-30 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex opaca
Species	opaca
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The American Holly Tree (Ilex opaca), also called the White Holly or Christmas Holly, is one of the most familiar, easily-recognized Hollies around! It is a small tree or shrub with striking foliage that's perfect for privacy hedges and year-round screening. This Holly is as durable as it is beautiful and you will enjoy its dense green broad-leaved evergreen foliage all year!

The American Holly is easy to identify. It has thick, smooth, dark green, spiny leaves that are yellowish-green underneath. Unlike some Hollies, the American Holly keeps its foliage from top to bottom for the life of the tree when grown in open full sun.

The flowers of the American Holly typically appear in May and are delicate spring accents the pollinators will love! American Holly requires male trees are needed to pollinate female trees to produce the classic red Holly berries around September to November. These fruits persist from fall through most of the winter and birds love the berries! Enjoy winter interest and color throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 9 with this easy-going native selection!

Planting and Application:

Great for a privacy hedge and noise barrier, but its natural pyramidal shape also makes it a perfect ornamental tree for any yard for full sun to part shade. Because it does well in part shade it is also a wonderful choice as an understory or edge of the woods plant.

You will not only love having fresh Holly branches to decorate your house during the winter months, but you will also be doing a great service for the small animals and birds in your neighborhood. During the winter the American Holly is an important source of food for the birds and provides a safe haven for shelter and nests in its thick foliage.

Train into a single-trunk specimen for a delightfully ornamental evergreen tree by simply removing the lowest branches from the main trunk. This Holly creates an amazing small accent tree for a private corner of your yard, or punctuating a garden bed! Try one at a corner of your foundation planting for effortless good looks.

Deep Glossy Green Pointed Foliage
Native Broad-Leaved Evergreen
Can Be Trained As A Shrub or Small Tree
White Flowers Precede Brilliant Red Berries
Requires A Male Holly For Pollination & Berries
Winter Interest & Winter Décor
Hedges, Specimens & Bird-Friendly Privacy

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The American Holly loves a slightly acidic, moist soil, but it must be well drained or it will not be happy. It also can grow in more shade than any other Holly variety (although it will do best in full sun!). These tough plants can withstand poor soil, as long as the drainage is good. Plant it in well-drained soil for best results in any kind of slightly acidic location and give them 3-4 inches of pine bark arborist mulch over the root system to maintain acidity, retain moisture, and insulate the roots. Best in moderate moisture throughout the growing season and top-dress with a good drink before winter. They'll survive through a moderate drought. Once established, they can even tolerate neglect. The best time for pruning is early spring and you can prune evergreen Holly into almost any shape or form.

Full Sun to Part Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs
Acidic Well-Drained Soil Types
Prune Very Early Spring
Plant Multiples or Male Holly For Increased Pollination & More Berries

Choose a traditional broad-leaved evergreen Holly that's great for privacy screens and year-round interest! The American Holly has easy care for native requirements with high-styled pyramidal growth! Order yours now at NatureHills.com!

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Great Tree

So glad I got my American Holly before the holiday season. It is beautiful!Nature hills did a great job packing and shipping a really healthy tree.

Hi Donna,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback! We're delighted to hear that your American Holly Tree arrived healthy and that you’re already enjoying its beauty just in time for the holiday season. Holly is such a wonderful choice—its vibrant berries and glossy leaves really help bring that festive feel into any space.

If you ever need tips on care or seasonal maintenance to keep your Holly thriving year-round, feel free to reach out. In the meantime, making sure it has well-drained soil, partial to full sunlight, and occasional watering will go a long way in helping it grow strong and beautiful.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great Tree

So glad I got my American Holly before the holiday season. It is beautiful!Nature hills did a great job packing and shipping a really healthy tree.

Hi Donna,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your American Holly! We're thrilled to hear that your tree arrived healthy and ready to brighten up your holiday season. It’s always a joy to know our careful packing and shipping have helped deliver a vibrant, thriving plant to your home.

If you ever have questions about keeping your Holly looking its best through the seasons—like ideal watering tips or pruning advice—we’re always here to help. Your tree is sure to bring festive charm for many holidays to come!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

So Pretty.

I purchased the American Holly for my mom.Nature Hills had a 2-3 foot in a #1 container.It arrived quickly in great condition and my mom is thrilled.So pleased!

Hello Kelly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that the American Holly arrived quickly and in great condition, and even more grateful to know your mom is so thrilled with her new tree. It’s always our goal to provide healthy, beautiful plants that bring joy from our nursery to your home.

If your mom ever has any questions about caring for her American Holly—like ideal watering, pruning, or nurturing tips—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have some great resources on our website to help holly trees thrive, and we’d love to support her in growing this lovely addition for many seasons to come.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

So Pretty.

I purchased the American Holly for my mom.Nature Hills had a 2-3 foot in a #1 container.It arrived quickly in great condition and my mom is thrilled.So pleased!

Hi Kelly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your American Holly Tree purchase! We're delighted to hear that it arrived quickly and in great condition and that your mom is thrilled with her new tree—that makes us so happy. American Hollies are such lovely, classic specimens and can truly brighten any yard with their glossy green leaves and vibrant red berries.

If you or your mom ever need tips on care—like watering schedules, pruning advice, or protecting the tree through winter—please don't hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help ensure your American Holly thrives beautifully for years to come.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Plant Health

The American Holly from Nature Hills was healthy looking when it arrived and it still looks great after being in the ground for several month. I will certainly look to order again from Nature Hills the next time I want a plant!

Dear Dandy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your American Holly tree! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived healthy and continues to thrive in your garden after several months. It’s always our goal to provide plants that help bring beauty and life to your outdoor space.

Should you ever have any questions about maintenance or if you’re interested in suggestions for companions that grow well with American Holly, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have local planting and care guides on our website that can support you season after season.

We look forward to helping you find more delightful plants for your garden in the future!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does American Holly get at maturity?

American Holly typically reaches 15-30 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide at maturity. This native evergreen grows slowly but steadily in zones 5-9. Allow plenty of space for its natural pyramidal shape, or prune lower branches to train it as a single-trunk specimen tree.

Does American Holly need a male and female plant for berries, and which pollinator varieties work best?

Yes, American Holly requires both male and female trees to produce the classic red berries that appear September through November. Female trees bear the berries while male trees provide the pollen needed for fruit production. Plant one male for every 3-5 females within 50 feet for best pollination results - both available at naturehills.com.

How much sun does American Holly need daily?

American Holly thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. It maintains its dense foliage from top to bottom when grown in full sun, but also performs well as an understory plant in partial shade. For best berry production and fullest growth, aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Is American Holly deer resistant?

American Holly is naturally deer resistant due to its thick, spiny leaves that deer typically avoid browsing. The sharp-edged foliage provides excellent protection in zones 5-9. Plant it as a natural deer deterrent around more vulnerable plants or use it for privacy screening in areas with heavy deer pressure.

How fast does American Holly grow, and can I prune it to control size or shape?

American Holly grows slowly to moderately, typically 12-24 inches per year. Yes, you can easily prune it to maintain size and shape - it responds well to trimming and can be trained as a single-trunk tree or kept as a dense hedge. Prune in late winter before spring growth begins for best results.

Is American Holly drought tolerant once established?

American Holly develops good drought tolerance once its root system is established, typically after 2-3 years. This native tree thrives in zones 5-9 and adapts well to various conditions. Water regularly the first few seasons, then it will handle dry spells naturally.

What is the shipping process for American Holly trees, and what condition do they arrive in?

American Holly trees ship as live plants carefully packaged to protect their evergreen foliage during transport. They typically arrive dormant or semi-dormant with their root systems intact and ready for planting in zones 5-9. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep roots moist until you can establish them in their permanent location.

American Holly Tree

Ilex opaca