Ilex opaca American holly (Aquifoliaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Ilex opaca
American holly
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Ilex opaca plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Massachusets to Florida and west to Texas. It is a member of the Aquifoliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as American holly. Some home gardeners know the variety as I. quercifolia. Meerb.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ilex opaca
Common Name:  American holly
Family:  Aquifoliaceae
Author:  Ait.

Known Hazards:  The fruits can cause violent vomiting[222].

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:  1.5

Habitat:  Grows in a variety of soil types, but it is generally found in deep moist bottomlands[229]. Moist woods, hedges and fields[43, 184].

General Uses: A number of cultivars of this species are used for hedging[200]. Fairly wind-resistant, this species is also used in shelterbelt plantings[200]. A dye has been made from the berries - the colour is not given[257]. Wood - light, tough, not strong, close grained, highly shock resistant, easily worked[82, 149, 171, 229]. It weighs 36lb per cubic foot[235]. Too small for commercial exploitation, but it is valued for use in cabinet making and the interior finishes of houses[82], it is also used for making small items such as tool handles[149, 171, 229]. The wood can also be stained to imitate ebony[171].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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