Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Facts on the Holly Tree
Facts on the Holly Tree. American holly (Ilex opaca) trees are a member of the Aquifoliaceae family and serve a variety of uses. These trees work well for hedges, along the edges of parking lots, as a residential ornamental tree, and as a specimen tree. Holly trees have also been used as decoration for many cultures.
American holly (Ilex opaca) trees are a member of the Aquifoliaceae family and serve a variety of uses. These trees work well for hedges, along the edges of parking lots, as a residential ornamental tree, and as a specimen tree. Holly trees have also been used as decoration for many cultures.
Growth
At maturity, holly trees reach a height of 35 to 50 feet and a width of 15 to 25 feet. This pyramidal tree features dense foliage and grows less than 12 inches annually, making it a slow-growing tree. Holly trees feature simple alternate leaves that are oval in shape and which feature points along the edges. These evergreen leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and less than 2 inches wide.
Climate
Holly trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, making this a tree that grows well throughout the majority of the United States. Within these zones, holly trees should be planted in acidic or slightly alkaline soils that are clay, loamy or sandy in nature. Holly trees prefer sites where the soil is well-drained and the tree receives partial shade. These trees are highly tolerant of both drought and salt conditions.
History and Lore
Holly has meant many things to many cultures throughout the ages. To the Greeks, it was a symbol of foresight. Romans gave it as a gift at the time of Saturnalia to represent good will. Chinese decorated for the New Year with holly leaves and Christians used holly to represent a crown of thorns. Past cultures have also used holly to treat cough, fever, measles, smallpox, kidney disease and pain caused by childbirth. When used ornamentally, Europeans believed that the tree would protect the home from evil spirits and lightning strikes.
Uses
Historically, the holly berries were used as decorative buttons by the American Indians. Many other tribes saw these buttons and bartered with the American Indians for them. Today, the wood from the holly tree is used for the manufacturing of canes, scroll work, furniture and inlay work. Traditionally the leaves and berries of the holly tree are very popular as decorations around the holidays.
Problems
The most common pests to damage holly trees are the holly leaf miner, spider mites and scales. While few pests affect this plant, there are many diseases which can cause damage to holly trees. Some common diseases include tar spot, fungal diseases, cankers, spine spot, chlorosis, scorches, purple blotches and black root rot.
