This pyramid-shaped evergreen tree is best known
for the wreaths and boughs that are made from its branches around Christmas time.
Description
This tree grows to be 35 to 50 feet tall and
15 to 25 feet wide. It has a dense, pyramid-shaped crown.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate, simple and
lanceolate or elliptic in shape. Leaves are 2-4 inches long and 1-1 ½ inches wide. They
are medium to dark, green in color and, shiny or flat. The leaf margins are usually spiny
and will be flat or wavy.
Flowers
The flowers are small and are green
or white in color. The flowers are fragrant and are found in clusters in the leaf axils.
Fruit
Berries are round and bright red, orange or
yellow, and are ½ inch in diameter.
Bark
The bark is light gray and may be covered by wart-like growths. Because the bark is
very thin, it is easily damaged.
Landscape usage
The American Holly can be used as a
specimen tree but may also be used as a hedge. It has high drought and salt spray
tolerance but grows best in well-drained but moist soils. With its bright berries, this
tree is an excellent food source for wildlife.
Interesting fact
The preserved berries of this tree
were used by American Indians as decorative buttons. Historically, the wood was used to
make canes. When stained black, it was substituted for ebony in inlay work.
