Mae American holly
Ilex opaca 'Mae'
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size15 to 20 feet tallup to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Conical
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Greenish-white
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Mae' American holly (Ilex opaca 'Mae') is a tree 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. This evergreen grows in a conical shape, tolerates salt, and has fragrant, greenish-white blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and birds. It sits low on the menu for deer. Growth is slow, so plan for its mature size.
Pairs well with Spicebush, Chokeberry, Switchgrass, and Autumn fern.