The American Holly Tree

Most people are familiar with the shorter holly bushes and shrubs, but there is also a holly tree that has the same characteristics as the shorter versions. The holly tree is an evergreen that can grow as tall and wide as many of the deciduous shade trees but with a burst of color when the berries ripen in the winter. They need to be planted in groups, so a large property is needed.

Holly can grow in just about any type of soil, just do not plant it where it will be in the shade of another tree. The holly tree bark has a sliver color, young twigs are light green and the leaves a darker green. From early spring through the end of summer, the tree will produce clusters of white flowers, which bees love. It is the bees and other insects that pollinate the holly trees, which is necessary because a holly tree will be either feminine or masculine. The male tree will not produce any berries, but are needed to fertilize the female tree. If you want to have berries, plant 4 or more, both male and female. The berries, in most cases can be red, but there are also yellow and white and the berries will be black if there is no frost. Birds can eat the berries, but they are poison for humans, so holly should not be planted where young children can get to them.

The holly tree, known as the American holly grows upright to a height of from 40 to 50 feet and a spread of from 18 to 40 feet. American holly is known to have been growing when then Pilgrims landed in 1620. It is hardy in zones 5 to 8, likes partial shade and wet to moist sandy or loam soil. It makes a perfect hedge, screen or specimen plant. Plant this one in the spring where it can get protection from the wind and plant 1 male for every 6 to 8 female trees. Make sure the soil is well drained and on the acid side. If there is too much pH in the soil, the tree can develop iron chlorosis. The tree can be pruned in the winter and the cuttings used for decorations. It can take heavy pruning, just be sure to remove the branches at the trunk. American holly is susceptible to leaf miner, scale, leaf spot and other diseases. It can also tolerate air pollution.

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