Mac American holly
Ilex opaca 'Mac'
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size15 to 30 feet tall
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Conical
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Creamy white
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Mac' American holly (Ilex opaca 'Mac') is a shrub for specimen planting, hedges, privacy screens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet, loamy or clay soil. Fragrant creamy white flowers open in spring and summer and attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Deer rarely make it their first choice. The conical shape grows slowly, stays evergreen, and tolerates salt.
Pairs well with Spicebush, Oakleaf hydrangea, Switchgrass, and Autumn fern.