Lower Risk

Ilex opaca (American Holly)

Ilex opaca, American Holly, is a tree from 10 – 20 m native to eastern and south-central North America. It is a broadleaved evergreen species of Holly and, like all Holly’s is dieocious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. There is no information to suggest the plant has naturalised anywhere in Australia or elsewhere globally. While there are records of its presence in Europe and New Zealand but no suggestions of naturalisation or invasion. In its native range American Holly is described as ‘seldom dominant’ and is also described as ‘fire intolerant’. It is said that American Holly produces an abundance of seeds each year. These are dispersed most commonly by birds and mammals. A related species, Ilex aquifolium is a significant environmental weed in VIC, TAS, and NSW. The native range of American Holly has some similarities to the east coast in Australia, particularly QLD. The dark green shiny leaves of American Holly are quite attractive. It produces small greenish white flowers in Spring with female plants developing attractive red berries.