A little seed. A new beginning.
Seeds In A Cup®A LITTLE SEED. A NEW BEGINNING.

GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL

American Holly

Ilex opaca

Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.

THE PLANT NOTEBOOK

American Holly care, from seed onward.

Botanical name
Ilex opaca
Common names
Holly
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Genus
Ilex
Species
I. opaca
01

Start growing

Sun or shade. Likes acidic soil. Plant in groups for berries.

02

Growing with your kit

Holly seeds take a long time to germinate (dormancy). The Seeds In A Cup® kit uses stratified seeds to speed this up.

03

Propagation

Cuttings or seed.

04

Seasonal growth & harvest

Dioecious (needs male and female to fruit). Berries persist into winter.

05

Growing conditions

Moist, acidic forests.

06

Weather & tolerances

Shade tolerant; pollution tolerant.

07

Pests & plant health

Leaf miner and scale.

08

Plant safety

Berries are toxic to humans/pets (vomiting); leaves are spiny.

09

Botanical features

An evergreen tree/shrub with spiny, leathery leaves and bright red berries (drupes) on female plants.

10

Varieties

‘Satyr Hill’, ‘Jersey Princess’.

11

Garden & everyday uses

Winter holiday decoration. wood used for piano keys (dyed black)

12

Native range & distribution

Eastern and South-Central United States.

13

Conservation

Secure.

14

Name origins

‘Ilex’ is the Latin name for Holm Oak (which has similar leaves).

15

History

Associated with winter solstice celebrations and protection against lightning.

Grow american holly in a cup.