American Holly - Ilex Opaca

American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the eastern and south-central regions of the United States. It can grow up to 60 feet tall, although it is typically smaller in cultivation. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and spiny, with a wavy or undulating margin. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages.

Its most distinctive feature is its bright red berries, which persist on the tree through the winter. The berries are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife during the colder months and are also famous for use in holiday decorations.

Stunning Foliage

It is a famous ornamental tree in landscapes due to its attractive foliage and berries and its tolerance for various soil types and conditions. It is also an important tree in the wild, providing habitat and food for multiple animals. Here are some cool facts about the tree. The leaves have a waxy coating that helps prevent water loss, allowing the tree to thrive in dry conditions.

American Holly Has bright Red Berries

The red berries are not edible for humans but are an essential food source for birds, including cedar waxwings, robins, and blue jays. They are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Only female trees produce berries. It is a slow-growing tree, with some specimens living for more than 300 years.

The wood is one of North America's whitest and densest woods, making it a prized material for carving and inlay work. Traditional medicine has used it to treat various ailments, including fever, heartburn, and arthritis. They are also sometimes referred to as "white holly" due to the lightness of their wood and "Christmas holly" because of their association with the winter holiday season.

A Beautiful Appearance

Holly Trees are among the most beautiful trees, with their unique dark green leaves that shine, illuminating red berries, and snow-like flowers that bloom from September to November. They can be used for one of the most incredible holidays, like Christmas, or luxurious bliss in any home or office.

Trim ceilings or spacious vaulted ceilings will fit anyone's desired height, as they are decorated with vibrant red berries and long-lasting leaves. Though you want something more practical and less in the pocket, why not have a decoration you can admire all year round, a fetching wreath?

The wreaths are full of vibrant colors that will start any conversation with their eye-catching characteristics. They are distinct with their charm, red berries, and original braiding of the holly branches, which form something priceless. The wreath symbolizes strength, which you can have all year round. Feel joy and comfort to start a new year fresh with the trees.

As they are decorative with vibrant red berries and entertain your family, buy decorating the trees with old-fashioned popcorn or unique ornaments. Whether it's your spouse and you or your family of four kids and six dogs, the holly branches can elaborate from a plan table to a beautiful twist in the holiday cheer.

Pruning

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

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