A superb and handsome evergreen tree anyone can grow, the 'Greenleaf' American Holly is a superb North American Native that grows naturally as a pyramid to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feed 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. It responds very well to pruning for formal hedges that can be kept at 10 feet high or so over time. It is admired for its distinct, toothed, green leaves and abundant red berries that birds and other wildlife will thank you for from fall through winter. The branches of this cultivar are the ones used most often for Christmas holiday decorations. 

The flower of the American Holly provide nectar for beneficial pollinators. A larval host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly larvae which appear from February to May and have one flight. Adult Henry's Elfin butterflies feed on flower nectar. Its abundant red berries are enjoyed by songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, white-tailed deer, squirrels and other small mammals.

The Greenleaf American Holly is exceptionally easy to grow in most any moist but 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 and/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. Minimal if an maintenance when left to grow natural. That said, many landscapers will perform an annual pruning 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