The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Cardinal Hedge American holly

Family: Aquifoliaceae (holly family)

Synonym: Ilex opaca 'Cardinal Improved'

Distribution: Species native to e. United States

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Evergreen tree

Comments: A female holly maturing at about 10' high and 8' wide. With regular pruning this evergreen is easy to keep to 4-5' high. The red color of its medium-size fruit (coming close to the bright red of the cardinal) gives the plant its name. Fruits only in the presence of a male pollinator. Use as a specimen or tall hedge.