American holly Aquifoliaceae Ilex opaca Aiton symbol: ILOP Leaf: Alternate, simple, evergreen, elliptical, 2 to 4 inches long, spiny toothed margin, thickened and leathery, shiny dark green above, much paler below. Flower: Species is dioecious; dull green-white, male flowers on 3 to 7 flowered cymes, female flowers are solitary with a pleasant odor, appearing in late spring. Fruit: Berry-like drupe, red, rarely yellow when ripe, 1/4 inch in diameter, containing ribbed nutlets; maturing in fall and persisting on tree into winter. Twig: Slender, with rust-colored pubescence; buds small reddish brown, pointed. Bark: Light gray and smooth regardless of size. Form: A small tree to 40 feet, with a thick crown and pyramidal form, usually with branches to the ground. Looks like: large gallberry - Foster's holly - Chinese holly - dahoon Additional Range Information: Ilex opaca is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting American holly. External Links: USDAFS Silvics of North America USDAFS Additional Silvics USDA Plants Database Horticulture © Copyright 2014, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson