Ilex paraguariensis

Ilex opaca, commonly known as the American Holly, is a species of holly native to the eastern and south-central United States, from coastal Massachusetts south to central Florida, and west to southeastern Missouri and eastern Texas.

Description

The Ilex opaca is an evergreen tree growing to 10–20 m tall, with a trunk diameter typically up to 50 cm, but occasionally over 100 cm. The bark is light gray, roughened by small warty lumps. The branchlets are stout, green at first and covered with rusty down, later smooth and brown. The winter buds are brown, short, obtuse or acute.

The leaves remain on the branches for two to three years, finally falling in the spring when pushed off by growing buds. They are dark green and glossy on top, yellowish-green beneath, and have a leathery texture. The flowers are white, small, borne in late spring in short pedunculate cymes from the axils of young leaves or scattered along the base of young branches.

Distribution and habitat

Ilex opaca is found in a variety of habitats, both wet and dry, throughout its range. It can be found in swampy woods, along stream banks, and in both lowland and upland forests. It is also commonly found in suburban and exurban areas, where it is often used as a decorative tree.

Uses

The wood of Ilex opaca is very heavy, hard, and pale yellow. It has been used for making whip handles, engraving blocks and also for fuel. The tree's berries are consumed by birds (including wild turkey and northern bobwhite) and mammals, which excrete the seeds with their droppings and thus distribute the tree.

Conservation

While not currently listed as threatened or endangered, Ilex opaca populations are declining in many parts of its range due to habitat loss from urban development and agriculture.

See also

• List of Ilex species
• Holly