Plant · GBIF taxon 5414248
Ilex opaca
ilex opacaAlso known as White Holly, Christmas Holly
American holly stands out in winter woodlands with its leathery, spiny evergreen leaves and bright red berries. Dioecious by nature, female trees require a nearby male pollinator to produce the winter fruit that sustains migratory songbirds through cold months. Its slow growth rate and dense, pale wood have historically made it a valued ornamental and timber tree across its native eastern range.
EvergreenTreeBerries
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- White-tailed Deer
ThreatsHabitat Loss, Overharvesting for Holiday Greenery
HabitatsMaritime Forests, Floodplains, Upland Hardwood Forests
Life span100 to 150 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAquifoliales
- FamilyAquifoliaceae
- GenusIlex
- Speciesilex opaca
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Berries contain toxic saponins that cause severe stomach upset if eaten; wild berries have toxic look-alikes.
- Why it is dangerous
- All plant parts, especially the berries, contain saponins and alkaloids that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness when ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by dull matte-green evergreen leaves with sharp marginal spines and tight clusters of red berries on female trees.
- What to do
- Keep cuttings away from pets and children, and wear sturdy garden gloves to avoid painful skin punctures from the rigid leaf points.
Responsible observation
- Planting pairs: Grow male and female trees near each other to ensure berry production on the female plant.
- Pruning care: Wear heavy leather gloves when handling branches to prevent punctures from the stiff leaf spines.
- Bird watching: Observe berry-laden trees during late winter to catch flocks of wintering songbirds foraging.
Seed Disperser Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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