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American Holly Tree

Ilex opaca

  • 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
Regular price $12870
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Evergreen, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Salt Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Flowering
Hardiness Zone 5a to 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
Native To Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia
+21 moreshow less
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Holly
Botanical Name Ilex opaca
Species opaca
Class Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
D
Donna
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

D
Donna
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

D
Dandy
Christmas Holly

Received my American Holly well before Christmas and am anxious for it to get large enough to hang some lights on it. Very nice looking plant.

Hi Dandy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your new American Holly Tree! We’re thrilled to hear it arrived safe and sound well before Christmas – what a perfect timeline for the holidays. It sounds like you’ve got a beautiful natural centerpiece growing, and we completely understand the excitement of watching it mature so you can decorate it with your lights.

To help your holly thrive and reach that size a little sooner, be sure to plant it in an area with well-drained, slightly acidic soil and plenty of sunlight (at least 4 hours a day). Regular watering—especially while it’s getting established—and a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can encourage healthy, vigorous growth. If you ever have questions on care or pruning to promote shape and density, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thanks again for choosing NatureHills.com. We look forward to your holly becoming the glowing holiday feature you’re imagining.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

D
Dandy
Christmas Holly

Received my American Holly well before Christmas and am anxious for it to get large enough to hang some lights on it. Very nice looking plant.

Dear Dandy,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your American Holly arrived safely and that you find it to be a lovely plant. With its classic evergreen charm, it’s truly a fantastic choice for holiday decorating and beyond!

As your holly grows, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to help it thrive and reach its full size for those festive lights. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, and a round of balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost healthy growth. We’d be happy to share more tips or assist you anytime as your tree matures.

Looking forward to seeing your garden sparkle with those holly lights in the seasons to come!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

K
Kelly
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

K
Kelly
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

D
Dandy
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!

Hi Dandy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your American Holly tree! We’re thrilled to hear it arrived healthy and has continued to thrive in your garden over the months. There’s something truly special about seeing a plant settle in and grow beautifully, and we’re honored to be part of your planting journey.

When it comes to your American Holly, an evergreen nestled with glossy leaves and vibrant berries, just a few tips can help it stay vibrant year-round: ensure it receives well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure, and occasional deep watering during dry spells will keep it happy. If you ever need more care advice or planting recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to helping you with your next plant order and support all your green-thumb adventures!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

D
Dandy
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

F
Freddy
Love the larger sizes

I bought 4 of the 3-4 feet sizes and they're doing great. I was very impressed with how well they were packed & how quickly they got to me. All I see now are listed as 1 gallon sizes. I wish it said how tall they were.

Hi Freddy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your American Holly Trees! We’re delighted to hear that your 3-4 feet plants arrived quickly and in great condition—our packing and shipping teams work hard to make sure every plant arrives happy and healthy.

We appreciate your feedback about the listing sizes! Currently, some of our Holly Trees are listed by container size (1-gallon), which can vary slightly in height. We understand how helpful it is to know exact measurements, and we’re working towards including more detailed size guides on product pages to make picking the right plant even easier. In the meantime, if you have any questions about growth expectations or need size tips, please don't hesitate to reach out; we’re happy to assist.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

F
Freddy
Love the larger sizes

I bought 4 of the 3-4 feet sizes and they're doing great. I was very impressed with how well they were packed & how quickly they got to me. All I see now are listed as 1 gallon sizes. I wish it said how tall they were.

Hi Freddy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the American Holly Trees! We’re delighted to hear that your 3-4 feet plants arrived quickly and in great shape, and that they’re thriving in your garden. We truly appreciate your kind words about our packing and delivery — we aim to make receiving new plants a seamless moment of joy.

Regarding the current listings showing 1-gallon sizes without specific heights, thank you for pointing that out. We understand how helpful it is to know approximate plant height when ordering. We’re continuously updating our website to provide more detailed information, including approximate sizes to assist with better planning for your space. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly; we’re happy to provide size guidance and recommendations for your planting goals.

If you’re interested, we also have some great resources on planting and caring for soon-to-be majestic hollies that you might find useful for continuity and privacy hedges if that’s your vision for them.

Thanks again, Freddy, for your thoughtful review — we’re rooting for your garden’s ongoing success and excited to see your American Hollies grow strong and healthy!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

H
Helen
Beautiful Holly

I planted my tree 45 years ago and today it stands magnificently 75 ft. tall. I have taken small plants from the mother holly and they are all growing wonderfully. I now have a barrier between my neighbors and our home. Wonderful investment 45 years ago.

Dear Helen,

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey with your American Holly Tree! It’s truly inspiring to hear how your thoughtful planting 45 years ago has grown into such a majestic, towering presence on your property. What a wonderful testament to patience and care—and how special that you've expanded your holly family by nurturing the smaller plants from your original tree. Creating a natural barrier not only brings privacy but also adds so much beauty and wildlife value to your home.

If you ever want tips on maintaining the health and vibrancy of your mature trees or ideas for companion plants that thrive well alongside hollies, feel free to reach out. Also, watching that tree change with the seasons must be such a joyful sight!

Thanks again for entrusting Nature Hills with part of your gardening journey—and congratulations on cultivating such a glorious and lasting living legacy!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

H
Helen
Beautiful Holly

I planted my tree 45 years ago and today it stands magnificently 75 ft. tall. I have taken small plants from the mother holly and they are all growing wonderfully. I now have a barrier between my neighbors and our home. Wonderful investment 45 years ago.

Dear Helen,

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story with your American Holly Tree! We're truly inspired to hear how your tree has flourished over 45 years into such a magnificent, 75-foot-tall barrier providing beauty and privacy. It’s wonderful that you’ve successfully propagated small plants from your 'mother holly'—what a testament to the tree’s health and your dedicated care.

Creating a living hedge that not only protects your home but enhances your landscape is a brilliant investment! If you ever want tips on maintaining your Hollys or wish to add complementary plants to your barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help your garden continue to thrive for many seasons to come.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

T
Telli
Plant size

I saw a 30 foot American Holly in TN last winter and it looked like it was growing out of pure rock. They must be very hardy if they can grow that big.

Hi Telli,

Thank you so much for sharing your observation about the American Holly! You’re absolutely right—these magnificent trees are known for their hardiness and resilience, thriving even in tough conditions like rocky terrain. American Hollies are quite adaptable, and seeing one flourish at 30 feet tall in Tennessee is a wonderful testament to their strength and beauty.

If you’re considering adding one to your landscape, just keep in mind that they prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. They’re also fabulous for providing year-round greenery and attracting wildlife. Feel free to check out our planting guide on American Hollies for tips to help your tree grow tall and strong for years to come!

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us — we love celebrating these natural wonders alongside fellow gardeners like you.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

T
Telli
Plant size

I saw a 30 foot American Holly in TN last winter and it looked like it was growing out of pure rock. They must be very hardy if they can grow that big.

Dear Telli,

Thank you so much for sharing your observation about the majestic American Holly! It’s wonderful to hear how robust and resilient these trees can be—particularly thriving in challenging conditions like rocky terrain. American Hollies are indeed hardy evergreens, known for their adaptability and ability to flourish in a variety of environments, making them a great choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and durability.

If you ever decide to welcome one into your own garden, be sure to plant it in well-draining soil and provide some space for it to grow, as they can eventually reach those impressive heights. For best results, occasional mulching and watering during dry spells can help young hollies establish strong roots. Feel free to explore our detailed planting and care guides available on our website—if you need help, our experts are always here for you!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

M
Marsha
Great in the snow

I planted this tee outside of my kitchen window. It looks absolutely beautiful covered in snow during the winter. Very festive!

Hi Marsha,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with your American Holly Tree! It’s wonderful to hear how beautifully it adorns your kitchen window, especially dusted in snow – truly festive and charming. Holly trees are fantastic for adding that winter cheer with their rich green foliage and bright berries.

If you ever want to keep it healthy and vibrant year-round, make sure to check the soil moisture during dry spells and consider mulching to help protect the roots in colder weather. And if you’re thinking about adding more evergreens to complement your holly, feel free to reach out; we’re happy to help you pick varieties that thrive in your area!

Warm wishes for many more scenic winters ahead!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

M
Marsha
Great in the snow

I planted this tee outside of my kitchen window. It looks absolutely beautiful covered in snow during the winter. Very festive!

Dear Marsha,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with your American Holly Tree! We're delighted to hear how beautiful it looks covered in snow outside your kitchen window—it truly is one of those wonderful plants that bring festive cheer and natural elegance during the winter months.

If you’d like, to keep your holly healthy and vibrant year-round, you might consider occasional watering during dry spells and some light pruning in late winter to maintain its shape. American Holly is quite resilient, but protection from harsh winds can also help preserve its glossy leaves and bright berries.

Should you need any tips or questions about winter plant care, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re always happy to support your garden’s beauty through every season.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

N
Nadine
Perfect Holly

A tradional Holly tree. The perfect tree to anchor the front corner of our house. It has berries on it now just in time for the holiday season. I expect we will enjoy this tree for years to come. Thank you so much.

Dear Nadine,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your American Holly Tree is proudly anchoring the front corner of your house and that its berries are arriving just in time to add a festive touch for the holiday season. Hollies truly are a classic, beautiful choice, and it’s heartwarming to know you anticipate years of joy from your tree.

If you ever have questions about caring for your Holly—such as tips on watering, pruning, or protecting it from birds or pests as it matures—we'd be happy to assist. Meanwhile, keeping the soil slightly moist and mulching can help your tree stay healthy and vibrant. Feel free to explore our Resources Hub anytime for plant care guides to ensure your Holly continues to thrive.

Thank you again, Nadine, for sharing your experience with us. Wishing you many happy seasons with your new Holly tree!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

N
Nadine
Perfect Holly

A tradional Holly tree. The perfect tree to anchor the front corner of our house. It has berries on it now just in time for the holiday season. I expect we will enjoy this tree for years to come. Thank you so much.

Dear Nadine,

Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely review of your American Holly Tree! We’re delighted to hear that it’s perfectly anchoring the front corner of your home and bringing festive cheer with its bright berries just in time for the holidays. It sounds like a wonderful addition that will provide beauty and enjoyment for many years to come.

If you ever have questions about care tips, pruning, or how to keep those eye-catching berries healthy season after season, please don’t hesitate to reach out. American Holly trees are quite hardy but appreciate consistent watering during dry spells and a good layer of mulch to protect their roots in winter.

Wishing you many joyful moments with your perfect Holly,

The Nature Hills Plant Experts

A
Al
Perfect

I love this holly. It's beautiful and full. A nice looking tree that will give our back porch some privacy.

Hi Al,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your American Holly Tree is adding both beauty and privacy to your back porch—that’s exactly the kind of vibrant touch we hope our plants bring to your space.

If you haven’t already, be sure to give your holly regular watering during dry spells and consider mulching around its base to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Hollies thrive best with somewhat acidic soil and partial to full sun, so a little soil check this season might be beneficial if you supersede to keep it healthy and full.

Feel free to reach out anytime if you need care tips or have questions as your tree grows—we’re always happy to help!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

A
Al
Perfect

I love this holly. It's beautiful and full. A nice looking tree that will give our back porch some privacy.

Hi Al,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your American Holly Tree! We're thrilled to hear that it’s adding beauty and privacy to your back porch—it’s such a versatile and charming choice. If you ever have questions about pruning tips or want ideas for companion plants to enhance your garden’s enclosure, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help your green space flourish!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

S
Sharon
American Holly

This is a really handsome tree. It gives a lot of unstated interest without any fuss. Very happy with this purchase. I will be ordering again. Thank you.

Hello Sharon,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your American Holly! We're delighted to hear that this handsome tree is adding that special, effortless charm to your landscape. It sounds like a perfect fit, and we love knowing it has found a happy home with you. When you're ready to order again, feel free to explore our variety of plant care resources—we’re here to help with tips to keep your holly thriving all year round, especially in matters of pruning and pest management.

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.