American Holly
Ilex opaca
Last reviewed: June 2026
American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a native evergreen tree found across the eastern United States from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas. It blooms in late spring and produces bright red berries that persist through winter.
American Holly is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Holly as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–600" H × 240"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, wasps
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American holly is a stately evergreen tree with glossy, spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries on female plants. It grows slowly into a pyramidal shape and provides year-round structure and winter interest to the landscape.
Growing American Holly
Grow American Holly in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Holly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
Wildlife value
Host plant for henry's elfin, holly azure.
The small spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps for pollination. The red berries are an important winter food source for birds including robins, cedar waxwings, and woodpeckers.
Common questions
- When does American Holly bloom?
- American Holly produces small white flowers in May and June, followed by bright red berries on female trees that persist through winter.
- What pollinators visit American Holly?
- American Holly flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps during its late spring blooming period.
- Where is American Holly native?
- American Holly is native to 27 states across the eastern United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida and west through Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
- What growing conditions does American Holly prefer?
- American Holly tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and prefers medium moisture levels, though it can adapt to somewhat drier conditions once established.
- Is American Holly toxic to dogs?
- Yes. American Holly is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is American Holly toxic to cats?
- Yes. American Holly is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is American Holly toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Holly as toxic to livestock.
- Is American Holly HOA-friendly?
- American Holly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like American Holly and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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