Holly, American | Arboretum | SIU

This tree is one of the 150 trees initially included in the arboretum to coincide with the campus's 150th anniversary celebration.

Scientific Name:
Ilex opaca

Cultivar:

Native to:
Eastern and south-central United States, from coastal Massachusetts south to central Florida, and west to southeastern Missouri and eastern Texas

Mature Height and Width:
15-30 feet by 10-20 feet

Additional Notes:
The shiny leaves and distinctive red fruits from female trees provide, for some, a necessary ingredient for a “Holly Jolly Christmas.”  The American Holly is native to much of the southern United States and is especially common in sandy coastal areas.

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