// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

American holly

Ilex opaca var. opaca

American holly (Ilex opaca var. opaca) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11b. Mature size 15'–25'. Blooms Mar–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 28 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–11b
Mature size: 15'–25'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Mar–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

American holly (Ilex opaca var. opaca) — *Ilex opaca var. opaca* — American holly. Photo via iNaturalist — no rights reserved.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

American holly (Ilex opaca var. opaca) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11b. Mature size 15'–25'. Blooms Mar–May.

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, american holly pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).