American Holly

American Holly is the catalog display for the named Ilex opaca cultivar ‘Satyr Hill’, a vigorous, compact, upright selection. The [Holly Society of America](https://hollysociety.org/page-18097) records its 1970 registration and 2003 Holly of the Year honor, describing glossy dark olive-green leaves and bright-red berries that persist through winter into spring. The original registrant measured about 9 feet tall and wide at ten years in Zone 7, and the Society says ‘Satyr Hill’ should be hardy to Zone 5. ## Garden Use Use Satyr Hill as a specimen or in a mixed border, island bed, hedge, or screen; its branches also suit wreaths and cut-holly uses. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-opaca/) describes Ilex opaca as an evergreen tree for full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic-to-neutral soils with good drainage. The species has greenish-white flowers from April through June; red fruit develops on female trees after pollination by a nearby male and persists into winter. ## Maintenance Prune in early spring before new growth if shaping is needed. Avoid limestone and poorly drained sites. In hot summer climates, provide afternoon shade and protect the foliage from cold winter winds and winter sun.