How to Identify the American Holly

Leaf Identification

The leaves of the American Holly are 2″ to 4″ long with spiny margins and a leathery texture. They are a deep green and stay attached all year (evergreen). It has an elliptic shape and pinnate veins.

  • Leaf of Arbor Walk #69
  • Underside of Leaf from Arbor Walk #69

Twig and Bud Identification

The twig tends to be slender and hairy (pubescent). The buds tend to be reddish to brown.

  • Bud of Arbor Walk #69
  • Bud (close-up) of Arbor Walk #69
  • Twig of Arbor Walk #69

Bark Identification

The American Holly has thin, gray bark that is usually smooth but can have warty projections.

  • Bark of Arbr Walk #69

Fruit Identification

The American Holly has bright red fruit that are 1/4″ to 1/2″ diameter. They are drupes but interestingly have four seeds. They ripen in fall and tend to stay attached into winter. Many wild animals love these bitter fruit, but it is toxic to humans.

  • Fruit of Arbor Walk #69
  • Immature Fruit of Arbor Walk #69

Flower Identification

The flowers of the American Holly are greenish-white. The males have 2-12 flower clusters on cymes, and the females have solitary 2-3 flower clusters from leaf axils. It is a dioecious plant, meaning each individual will either have male or female flowers but not both.

[photo forthcoming]

Holly ID Tips

  • Besides the non-native English Holly, the American Holly is the only species of Ilex in North America to have long, prickly teeth along the leaf margins.
  • The American Holly is distinguished from the English Holly by its leaf size, color, and texture. The American Holly leaf is green, leathery, and up to 4″ long. The English Holly leaf is dark green, glossy and quite reflective, and up to 3″ long.