American holly (Ilex opaca) is also known as Christmas holly. The medium sized tree is native throughout Georgia. Its leaves have small spines along the margins, the leaf color is medium green and the surface is rather matte, not shiny. These leaf characteristics can help to distinguish it from similar-looking escaped non-native hollies which usually have dark green, shiny leaves and large spines. It often grows as an understory tree but it does well when grown in sunnier locations. Its natural pyramidal shape is very attractive. Only trees with female flowers bear fruit. Cultivation and hybridization has brought about a number of attractive forms, including some with golden fruit.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 11:00:00 +0000
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