The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: American holly (Buncombe Rd. selection)

Family: Aquifoliaceae (holly family)

Distribution: Species native to e. United States

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Evergreen tree

Comments: An interesting selection of American holly growing as an isolated plant along Buncombe Road near the town of Winchester, TN, and yet bearing attractive crops of red fruit. The polygamous quality of its flowers (both male and female present) is rare for American holly and only one cultivar (I. opaca 'Croonenburg') is considered self-fruitful. This plant is normal in its growth for the species with a height and spread of 25-30' by 15-20'. Leaves alternated, simple, spiny along the margins, flat green and persistent for 2-3 years.