Other Names: Golden American Holly, Yellow Berry American Holly

A rare and handsome evergreen tree that anyone can grow, the Goldie American Holly is a superb North American Native distinguished by its golden-yellow berries, as opposed to the red berries produced by the species and most other varieties. Following the abundant clusters of conspicuous white flowers that the beneficial pollinators will appreciate in late spring, there are equally abundant clusters of bright golden-yellow berries that viewers and the birds will enjoy. The berries stand out nicely against the dark green foliage. Goldie grows naturally as a pyramid, reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, making it a fine choice as a focal point specimen tree, in groupings, to frame the corners of tall homes, or as a dense evergreen privacy screen. As it grows taller, lower branches can be removed to form a beautiful evergreen tree that serves well as a focal point specimen in landscape and woodland borders or home foundation plantings. It responds well to pruning to a tight, formal shape; however, pruning done after the spring bloom can diminish berry production.

Note: Goldie is a female American Holly, which means she'll produce more berries when a male is nearby to help with pollination. 'Jersey Knight and 'Gable' are two male cultivars that serve as good pollinators. 

The flowers of the American Holly provide nectar for beneficial pollinators. It is a larval host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly larvae, which emerge from February to May and have a single flight. Adult Henry's Elfin butterflies feed on flower nectar. Songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and other small mammals enjoy its abundant yellow berries.

The Goldie American Holly is exceptionally easy to grow in moist, well-drained acidic soil of average fertility and full sun to part shade. Alkaline soils result in chlorosis (yellowing of leaves), which can be corrected by the application of chelated iron or soil sulfur. More berries are produced in full to mostly sun; however, you can expect a good crop even with some shade. Four hours of direct sunlight per day is suggested. It has high drought tolerance once established. Minimal to no maintenance is required when left to grow naturally. That said, many landscapers will perform annual pruning in late winter to maintain a more formal appearance or to control size.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for a Holly tree.

How To Plant A Holly Tree In The Ground Or In Pots

How To Prune A Holly Bush Or Tree

How To Fertilize & Water A Holly Tree

Privacy Screen Design And Planting Tips