Christmas holly, also known as American holly, is botanically named the Ilex opaca. It is native to the United States and is classified as a perennial tree. However, it is more thought of as a shrub than a tree.
Christmas Holly Description
Growing as tall as 60 feet, it is usually around 25 feet in height. There are dark green evergreen leaves on stiff branches. Leaves are not glossy and are tipped with spines. Berries are bright red and only on the female plants. Light gray bark provides contrast to berries and leaves. A slow growing tree, it makes for good Christmas decorations. It has a bloom season between March and June. There must be a female and male in close proximity to have berries.
Growing Guide
Grow in any lighting with an acidic soil. It does best in moist well-drained soil. It doesn’t do well in clay soils. Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. You may pretreat by scarification or double scarification if you prefer.
Christmas Holly Warnings
All Ilex plants are mildly toxic. The sensitivity to the toxin coincides with the person’s age, weight, and health condition. The toxicity can also vary from plant to plant, and season to season.
Distribution
The Christmas holly is found throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Uses
This is a larval plant for the Hentry’s Elfin butterfly. Its wood is also used in woodworking and furniture making. It provides cover and nesting for many birds and small wildlife.
This is a holiday favorite to grow and looks nice. You can use it as decoration indoors by cuttings sprigs off the tree.
Source: NPIN
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/