American holly

Ilex opaca Aiton

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

fruits (berries) (NC State Plant Toolbox)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression (listed by NC State)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Dogs, cats, horses: NC State lists the plant as a problem for cats, dogs and horses, with the fruits as the poison part. Reported signs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 5B through 9 per UF/IFAS
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 40 to 60 ft tall and 10 to 20 ft wide (12 to 18 m tall, 3 to 6 m wide). UF/IFAS: 35 to 50 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide (11 to 15 m tall, 4.5 to 7.5 m wide). Clemson: trees to 50 ft.
Where it comes from: NC State: central and eastern United States, from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts south through Florida and west to Texas and up through the Midwest. UF/IFAS: native to the eastern half of the United States.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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