// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Carolina holly

Ilex ambigua

Carolina holly (Ilex ambigua) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Blooms Mar–Apr.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 14 U.S. states, including AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–11b
Mature size: —
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Mar–Apr
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Carolina holly (Ilex ambigua) — *Ilex ambigua* — Carolina holly. Photo by Elbert L. Little, Jr., of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Carolina holly (Ilex ambigua) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Blooms Mar–Apr.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, carolina holly pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina).