American holly (Ilex opaca)
Family: Aquifoliaceae
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| Form:
This is a small evergreen tree reaching 40-50 ft. in height. |
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Leaves: [if 789 not_equals=””] Shape: revolute[/if 100] Margin: spinose teeth Texture: leathery Variation: N/A |
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| Bark:
It has thin grayish-white blotchy bark. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
It’s twigs are pubescent and slender when young. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
It produces a bright red berry-like drupe. The flowers are imperfect, solitary, and whitish green in color |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
Look for the pyramidal shape, spinose margin on the thick evergreen leaves, and it’s red drooping berries. |
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| Range:
Massachusetts south to central Florida, and west toward east Texas, throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain |
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| Silvics:
Very tolerant; moist bottoms; low slopes |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
Good ornamental; Songbirds, wild turkeys, mourning doves, and small mammals feed on the fruit. The wood has been used in veneer, and occasionally for lumber and pulpwood. When the wood is died black it can be used in ebony applications. |
