McDonald American holly
Ilex opaca 'McDonald'
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
'McDonald' American holly (Ilex opaca 'McDonald') 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. Fragrant, creamy-white flowers open in spring and summer and attract bees, butterflies, and birds. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. This slow-growing evergreen has a conical shape and tolerates salt.
Pairs well with Witch hazel, Switchgrass, and Red maple.