American Holly Tree Seeds | White Holly | (Ilex opaca)
American Holly Tree Seeds | White Holly | (Ilex opaca)
Evergreen beauty with year-round color and wildlife appeal.
Ilex opaca, commonly known as the American Holly or White Holly, is a timeless native evergreen admired for its glossy green foliage, vibrant red berries, and pyramidal form. Revered since colonial times as a symbol of winter beauty and resilience, it’s both ornamental and ecologically vital—supporting pollinators, songbirds, and native wildlife throughout the year.
Adaptable and long-lived, American Holly thrives in a wide range of conditions across the eastern United States. Its dense evergreen canopy provides year-round cover for wildlife, while its striking red berries bring life and color to winter landscapes when little else blooms.
Why Grow American Holly?
- Iconic evergreen native tree with glossy foliage and bright red berries
- Essential winter food source for birds and small mammals
- Tolerates coastal conditions, wind, and partial shade
- Excellent for hedges, screens, and wildlife gardens
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Ilex opaca
- Common Names: American Holly, White Holly
- Germination Rate: 82%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: North Carolina, USA
- Stratification: 60–90 days cold stratification required
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; prefers acidic, sandy, or loamy soil
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 15–50 ft tall × 10–35 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (1–2 ft per year)
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Red berries are a crucial winter food for cedar waxwings, robins, mockingbirds, and thrushes.
- Dense evergreen canopy provides year-round nesting and cover for small birds and mammals.
- Flowers attract native bees and early-season pollinators in spring.
Fun Facts
- Native Americans and early settlers used American Holly wood for tool handles and decorative carvings.
- Its berries, while mildly toxic to humans, are a lifeline for wildlife during harsh winters.
- George Washington cultivated American Hollies at Mount Vernon as living fence rows and windbreaks.
Evergreen Seed Co. provides high-germination, ethically sourced tree seeds—carefully packaged with detailed growing instructions. Grow your own piece of native beauty that shines year-round with vibrant color and life.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
