Holly trees, belonging to the Ilex genus, are evergreen or deciduous plants valued for their glossy foliage and vibrant berries. They thrive in temperate and subtropical regions, with over 400 species worldwide. Their adaptability makes them popular in gardens, hedges, and ornamental landscapes.
The leaves of holly trees are typically dark green, leathery, and often feature spiny or serrated edges, though some varieties have smooth margins. Leaf size varies, ranging from small, under an inch, to larger, up to 4 inches long. This diversity allows for varied textures in landscaping.
Holly berries, usually red but sometimes yellow, orange, or black, are a hallmark of many species. Produced on female plants, they require a nearby male plant for pollination. Berries persist through winter, attracting birds but are toxic to humans and pets.
Growth habits range from compact shrubs under 5 feet to trees reaching 50 feet tall. Shapes vary from pyramidal to rounded or columnar, suiting diverse garden roles like privacy screens, topiary, or specimen plants. Most grow slowly to moderately.
Holly trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and tolerate full sun to partial shade. They’re hardy in USDA zones 5–9, with some thriving in wet or dry conditions. Regular pruning maintains shape and encourages dense foliage.
Ecologically, holly trees support wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds and insects. Their durability and aesthetic appeal ensure their use in urban settings, holiday decorations, and traditional folklore, symbolizing resilience and festivity.
Holly Trees And Shrubs
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
- Description: A slow-growing evergreen native to eastern North America, reaching 15–50 feet tall. Popular for holiday decorations.
- Identifying Characteristics: Dark green, spiny, leathery leaves (2–4 inches long). Bright red berries (on female plants) in winter. Pyramidal shape with dense foliage. Dull leaf surface compared to other hollies.
- Note: Requires male and female plants for berry production.
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
- Description: Native to Europe, this evergreen grows 20–40 feet tall, often used in hedges or as a specimen tree.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves with sharp spines (1–3 inches long). Red, orange, or yellow berries. Variegated cultivars (e.g., with white or yellow leaf margins) are common. Bark is smooth and gray.
- Note: Highly adaptable but toxic berries.
Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)
- Description: A compact evergreen from East Asia, growing 6–15 feet tall, often used in landscaping.
- Identifying Characteristics: Rectangular, glossy leaves with a single spine at the tip (less spiny than others). Large, bright red berries that persist through winter. Rounded growth habit.
- Note: Tolerates heat and drought well.
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
- Description: A small evergreen from Japan, growing 3–10 feet tall, resembling boxwood. Popular for topiary and low hedges.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, oval, glossy leaves (0.5–1 inch) with crenate (scalloped) edges, no spines. Black berries (less showy). Dense, compact growth.
- Note: Slow-growing and shade-tolerant.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
- Description: A small evergreen native to southeastern U.S., growing 10–20 feet tall. Historically used for ceremonial tea.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, oval, dark green leaves with finely toothed edges. Translucent red berries. Multi-stemmed, upright growth. Grayish bark.
- Note: Highly adaptable to wet or dry soils.
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
- Description: A low-growing evergreen native to eastern U.S., reaching 5–8 feet tall. Ideal for wet sites.
- Identifying Characteristics: Spineless, narrow, dark green leaves (1–2 inches). Black berries (less ornamental). Compact, rounded habit. Leaves may turn purplish in winter.
- Note: Spreads by suckers, good for naturalizing.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
- Description: An evergreen native to southeastern U.S., growing 20–40 feet tall, often near wetlands.
- Identifying Characteristics: Smooth, glossy, lance-shaped leaves (2–4 inches) with few or no spines. Bright red berries. Slender trunk with light gray bark.
- Note: Prefers moist soils and partial shade.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
- Description: A deciduous holly native to North America, growing 6–12 feet tall. Known for vibrant winter berries.
- Identifying Characteristics: Oval, medium green leaves (1–3 inches) with serrated edges, drop in fall. Clusters of bright red berries on bare stems in winter. Multi-stemmed shrub.
- Note: Thrives in wet soils; needs male pollinator.
Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua)
- Description: A deciduous holly native to central and southern U.S., growing 10–20 feet tall.
- Identifying Characteristics: Light green, oval leaves (1–3 inches) with toothed edges, drop in fall. Red, orange, or yellow berries persist on bare branches. Slender, gray twigs.
- Note: Tolerates a wide range of soils.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)
- Description: A hybrid (English x Chinese holly), growing 15–25 feet tall. Fast-growing and popular for screens.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves with 2–3 spines per side. Abundant red berries (often without a male pollinator). Pyramidal shape.
- Note: Heat- and drought-tolerant.
Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’)
- Description: A narrow, columnar cultivar of Japanese holly, growing 6–10 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, glossy, spineless leaves (0.5–1 inch). Black berries (if present). Upright, pencil-like growth habit.
- Note: Ideal for tight spaces or containers.
Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae)
- Description: A hybrid group (English x rugosa holly), growing 8–15 feet tall. Cold-hardy and ornamental.
- Identifying Characteristics: Blue-green, glossy leaves with spiny edges. Red berries. Compact, rounded shape. New growth may have purplish tint.
- Note: Popular cultivars include ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Princess’.
Carolina Holly (Ilex ambigua)
- Description: A lesser-known deciduous holly native to southeastern U.S., growing 10–20 feet tall.
- Identifying Characteristics: Large, oval leaves (2–5 inches) with serrated edges, drop in fall. Small red berries. Loose, open growth habit.
- Note: Prefers sandy soils and full sun.
Longstalk Holly (Ilex pedunculosa)
- Description: An evergreen from East Asia, growing 10–30 feet tall. Less common but valued for unique foliage.
- Identifying Characteristics: Spineless, wavy-edged, glossy leaves (2–3 inches). Red berries on long stalks (peduncles). Slender, graceful branches.
- Note: Shade-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Lusterleaf Holly (Ilex latifolia)
- Description: An evergreen holly native to East Asia, growing 15–25 feet tall, often used as a large shrub or small tree.
- Identifying Characteristics: Large, glossy, dark green leaves (4–7 inches long) with finely serrated edges, less spiny than other hollies. Bright red berries in clusters. Broad, pyramidal shape.
- Note: Prefers warm climates and well-drained soil.
Foster Holly (Ilex x attenuata ‘Fosteri’)
- Description: A hybrid (American x Dahoon holly), growing 15–25 feet tall, popular for its compact form and heavy berry production.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, glossy, dark green leaves (1–2 inches) with few spines. Abundant red berries, often without a male pollinator. Conical growth habit.
- Note: Drought-tolerant and widely used in southern U.S. landscapes.
Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’)
- Description: A cultivar of Chinese holly, growing 10–20 feet tall, valued for its dense foliage and adaptability.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves (2–3 inches) with a single spine at the tip. Large, red berries without a male pollinator. Rounded, bushy form.
- Note: Tolerates heavy pruning and urban conditions.
Dwarf Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burford’)
- Description: A smaller cultivar of Chinese holly, growing 4–6 feet tall, ideal for low hedges or foundation plantings.
- Identifying Characteristics: Smaller, glossy leaves (1–2 inches) with a single tip spine. Red berries in winter. Compact, mounded shape.
- Note: Low-maintenance and widely used in small gardens.
Soft Touch Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’)
- Description: A compact Japanese holly cultivar, growing 2–3 feet tall, popular for borders or containers.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, soft, spineless, dark green leaves (0.5–1 inch) with a slightly wavy edge. Black berries (less prominent). Dense, low-growing habit.
- Note: Excellent for small spaces and shade tolerance.
Heller Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’)
- Description: A dwarf Japanese holly, growing 2–4 feet tall, often used as a ground cover or low hedge.
- Identifying Characteristics: Tiny, oval, spineless leaves (0.5 inch). Black berries (if present). Compact, mounded growth with fine texture.
- Note: Slow-growing and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Savannah Holly (Ilex x attenuata ‘Savannah’)
- Description: A hybrid holly, growing 15–25 feet tall, known for its heavy berry production and ornamental appeal.
- Identifying Characteristics: Light green, slightly spiny leaves (2–3 inches). Bright red berries in abundance. Upright, open growth habit.
- Note: Popular in southeastern U.S. for screens and hedges.
Myrtle-Leaved Holly (Ilex myrtifolia)
- Description: A small evergreen holly native to southeastern U.S., growing 10–20 feet tall, often in wetlands.
- Identifying Characteristics: Tiny, narrow, glossy leaves (0.5–1.5 inches) with smooth or slightly toothed edges. Small red berries. Slender, upright form.
- Note: Tolerates wet soils and is less common in cultivation.
Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)
- Description: A compact cultivar of Yaupon holly, growing 3–5 feet tall, used for low hedges or mass plantings.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, oval, dark green leaves (0.5–1 inch) with fine teeth. Red berries on female plants. Dense, rounded habit.
- Note: Extremely hardy and adaptable to various soils.
Blue Maid Holly (Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Maid’)
- Description: A cultivar of Blue Holly, growing 8–12 feet tall, known for its cold hardiness and vibrant berries.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, blue-green leaves with spiny edges. Bright red berries in winter. Compact, upright growth.
- Note: Pairs well with ‘Blue Stallion’ (male) for pollination.
Dragon Lady Holly (Ilex x aquipernyi ‘Dragon Lady’)
- Description: A hybrid (English x Perny holly), growing 10–20 feet tall, with a narrow, columnar form.
- Identifying Characteristics: Dark green, spiny leaves (2–3 inches). Red berries on female plants. Upright, pyramidal shape.
- Note: Ideal for vertical accents and cold climates.
Eagleston Holly (Ilex x attenuata ‘Eagleston’)
- Description: A hybrid holly, growing 15–20 feet tall, popular in southern U.S. for screens and shade trees.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, medium green leaves (2–3 inches) with soft spines. Red berries in clusters. Upright, slightly open form.
- Note: Fast-growing and heat-tolerant.
Liberty Holly (Ilex x ‘Liberty’)
- Description: A hybrid holly, growing 10–15 feet tall, valued for its dense foliage and berry production.
- Identifying Characteristics: Dark green, spiny leaves (2–3 inches). Large, bright red berries. Compact, conical shape.
- Note: Disease-resistant and good for hedging.
Steeds Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Steeds’)
- Description: An upright Japanese holly cultivar, growing 6–8 feet tall, used for hedges or specimen plants.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, spineless, dark green leaves (0.5–1 inch). Black berries (if present). Dense, pyramidal growth.
- Note: Low-maintenance and shade-tolerant.
Rotunda Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Rotunda’)
- Description: A dwarf cultivar of Chinese holly, growing 3–4 feet tall, commonly used for low hedges or foundation plantings.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves (1–2 inches) with multiple spines, often rectangular. Red berries on female plants. Compact, mounded growth habit.
- Note: Tolerates heat and poor soils; requires minimal pruning.
Needlepoint Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Needlepoint’)
- Description: A Chinese holly cultivar, growing 8–15 feet tall, valued for its graceful form and berry production.
- Identifying Characteristics: Narrow, glossy leaves (2–3 inches) with a single prominent spine at the tip. Bright red berries. Upright, rounded shape.
- Note: Adaptable to sun or shade; good for screens.
Oak Leaf Holly (Ilex x ‘Oak Leaf’)
- Description: A hybrid from the Red Holly series, growing 10–15 feet tall, known for its unique foliage and fast growth.
- Identifying Characteristics: Leaves resemble oak leaves, glossy, dark green, with soft spines when young. Red berries in winter. Pyramidal, upright habit.
- Note: Heat- and drought-tolerant; popular in southern U.S.
Robin Holly (Ilex x ‘Robin’)
- Description: A Red Holly hybrid, growing 12–18 feet tall, bred for heavy berry production and disease resistance.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves (2–3 inches) with moderate spines. Large, bright red berries. Dense, conical form.
- Note: Cold-hardy and ideal for ornamental use.
Cardinal Holly (Ilex x ‘Cardinal’)
- Description: Another Red Holly hybrid, growing 10–15 feet tall, noted for its vibrant berries and compact growth.
- Identifying Characteristics: Medium green, spiny leaves (1–2 inches). Clusters of vivid red berries. Upright, slightly rounded habit.
- Note: Requires a male pollinator like ‘Festive’ for berries.
Festive Holly (Ilex x attenuata ‘Festive’)
- Description: A hybrid holly, growing 15–20 feet tall, often used as a specimen tree or hedge.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, glossy, dark green leaves (1–2 inches) with soft spines. Red berries in abundance. Slender, upright form.
- Note: Fast-growing and adaptable to various soils.
Compacta Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’)
- Description: A Japanese holly cultivar, growing 4–6 feet tall, popular for low hedges or topiary.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, spineless, dark green leaves (0.5–1 inch) with crenate edges. Black berries (less showy). Dense, globular shape.
- Note: Slow-growing and shade-tolerant.
Maryland Dwarf Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Maryland Dwarf’)
- Description: A compact American holly cultivar, growing 3–5 feet tall, ideal for small gardens or borders.
- Identifying Characteristics: Dark green, spiny leaves (1–2 inches). Red berries on female plants. Low, spreading growth habit.
- Note: Cold-hardy but prefers well-drained soil.
Perny Holly (Ilex pernyi)
- Description: An evergreen holly from China, growing 10–20 feet tall, rarely cultivated but valued for unique foliage.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, diamond-shaped, glossy leaves (1–2 inches) with sharp spines. Red berries on long stalks. Upright, open structure.
- Note: Prefers mild climates and partial shade.
Golden King Holly (Ilex aquifolium ‘Golden King’)
- Description: A variegated English holly cultivar, growing 10–20 feet tall, prized for ornamental foliage.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy leaves with golden-yellow margins and green centers, spiny edges. Red berries (despite the name, it’s female). Compact, pyramidal shape.
- Note: Brightens shaded areas; needs male pollinator.
Silver Queen Holly (Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’)
- Description: Another English holly cultivar, growing 10–15 feet tall, often a male plant despite its name.
- Identifying Characteristics: Creamy-white leaf margins with dark green centers, spiny edges. No berries (typically male). Upright, dense growth.
- Note: Used as a pollinator for female English hollies.
Gallberry Holly (Ilex coriacea)
- Description: An evergreen holly native to southeastern U.S., growing 8–15 feet tall, often in wetlands.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, glossy, spineless leaves (1–2 inches) with smooth edges. Black berries (less ornamental). Multi-stemmed, shrubby form.
- Note: Tolerates wet soils; important for wildlife.
Castle Spire Holly (Ilex x meserveae ‘Castle Spire’)
- Description: A Blue Holly cultivar, growing 8–12 feet tall, with a narrow, upright form.
- Identifying Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves with spiny edges. Bright red berries. Columnar growth, ideal for tight spaces.
- Note: Cold-hardy; pairs with ‘Castle Wall’ (male) for pollination.
Weeping Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’)
- Description: A Yaupon holly cultivar, growing 10–15 feet tall, known for its drooping branches.
- Identifying Characteristics: Small, oval, dark green leaves (0.5–1 inch) with fine teeth. Red berries on female plants. Graceful, weeping growth habit.
- Note: Striking as a specimen tree; adaptable to various conditions.