American Holly
Spiny evergreen leaves, pale bark, and red winter fruit identify a native holly once central to Delaware wreath making.
Artwork inspired by Frank E. Schoonover
American holly is usually dioecious: male and female flowers grow on separate trees, and only pollinated female plants produce red drupes. Birds eat the fruit and spread seeds, while dense evergreen foliage offers winter cover. Leaf spines are often stronger on lower, younger growth.
Fruit that feeds wildlife is toxic to people, and a lone female tree may remain fruitless without a compatible male nearby. Delaware once led national holly-wreath production, but a living tree is more than decoration. Observe the whole forest role, prune garden plants after wildlife has fed, and never strip wild branches.
- Leaves
- Evergreen with sharp marginal teeth
- Fruit
- Red drupes on female trees
- Delaware link
- Official state tree
Quick guide
- Check the bark
- Mature trunks are pale gray and relatively smooth.
- Find both sexes
- Flowers—not fruit alone—explain pollination needs.
Recognize and observe
- Check the bark
- Mature trunks are pale gray and relatively smooth.
- Find both sexes
- Flowers—not fruit alone—explain pollination needs.
- Watch winter birds
- Robins and other fruit eaters may visit after cold softens fruit.
- Harvest responsibly
- Leave wild branches and most garden fruit for habitat.
Good to know
American holly is not the glossy European holly of many imported decorations. Leaf shape, fruiting, and cold tolerance differ.
Notice these
- Evergreen with sharp marginal teeth
- Red drupes on female trees
- Official state tree