500mg American Holly Seeds - Ilex Opaca Evergreen Tree with Red Berries

American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a classic evergreen tree prized for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries that persist through winter. This native North American holly adds year-round structure and color to landscapes, serving as an excellent specimen tree, privacy screen, or wildlife-friendly addition. The berries are a valuable food source for birds, while the dense foliage provides shelter. With its pyramidal growth habit and tolerance of various soil conditions, American Holly is a versatile choice for gardeners seeking a traditional, low-maintenance evergreen.

Whether planted as a focal point or in a mixed border, American Holly delivers multi-season interest. Its inconspicuous spring flowers give way to red berries on female plants (a male pollinator is required for fruit set). The leathery leaves stay green all year, making it a reliable backdrop for perennials and shrubs. This listing offers 500mg of seeds for those ready to grow this handsome tree from scratch.

Plant Features

• Evergreen foliage with distinctive spiny, leathery leaves
• Bright red berries on female plants in fall and winter
• Pyramidal growth habit, suitable for specimen or screen planting
• Native to the eastern United States, adaptable to various soils
• Provides food and cover for birds and other wildlife

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Ilex opaca
• Plant Type: Evergreen tree
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic to neutral soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright, pyramidal
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Bloom Season: Spring (flowers); fall/winter (berries)
• Mature Height: 15-30 feet (typical)
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification recommended; may be slow to germinate
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart for tree spacing

Planting & Care

To grow American Holly from seed, start by cleaning the seeds and subjecting them to cold stratification (moist chilling) for 2-3 months to break dormancy. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, barely covering them with soil. Keep the medium consistently moist and maintain a temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Germination can be slow and uneven, often taking several months. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a sheltered spot until they are large enough to plant outdoors.

When planting young hollies in the landscape, choose a site with well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Water regularly during the first year to help establish a deep root system. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Prune lightly if desired to shape the tree, but avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce berry production. American Holly is generally low-maintenance once established, though it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

What's Included

500mg of American Holly (Ilex opaca) seeds.