Start growing
Sun or shade. Likes acidic soil. Plant in groups for berries.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
American Holly Seeds In A Cup® Grow Kit
Ilex opaca
From the first seed to the next new leaf. Explore your plant’s growing conditions, seasonal rhythm, and everyday care.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
American Holly care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Ilex opaca
- Common names
- Holly
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Genus
- Ilex
- Species
- I. opaca
Growing with your kit
Holly seeds take a long time to germinate (dormancy). The Seeds In A Cup® kit uses stratified seeds to speed this up.
Propagation
Cuttings or seed.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Dioecious (needs male and female to fruit). Berries persist into winter.
Growing conditions
Moist, acidic forests.
Weather & tolerances
Shade tolerant; pollution tolerant.
Pests & plant health
Leaf miner and scale.
Plant safety
Berries are toxic to humans/pets (vomiting); leaves are spiny.
Botanical features
An evergreen tree/shrub with spiny, leathery leaves and bright red berries (drupes) on female plants.
Varieties
‘Satyr Hill’, ‘Jersey Princess’.
Garden & everyday uses
Winter holiday decoration. wood used for piano keys (dyed black)
Native range & distribution
Eastern and South-Central United States.
Conservation
Secure.
Name origins
‘Ilex’ is the Latin name for Holm Oak (which has similar leaves).
History
Associated with winter solstice celebrations and protection against lightning.
TURN KNOWING INTO GROWING
Your next beginning, in a cup.
Seeds In A Cup® grow kits matched to american holly.
Seed Germination Kit
American Holly Tree Seed Starter Grow Kit
USD 14.99
100 in stock
Ilex opaca
30-90 daysView kit →
THE GROWING CONVERSATION
Questions grow here.
Have a question about american holly? Ask Buddy below or contact our team.