Mark A. Miller
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Ilex opaca 'Pride of Butler'
Plant Common Name
American Holly, Pride of Butler American Holly
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Highly ornate in fall and winter, deep reddish-orange berries grace the branch tips on the Pride of Butler American holly. This impressive tree develops a dense, upright pyramidal habit and boasts deep olive-green foliage with a faint satin gloss. The species is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the central and southeastern regions of the United States. As with most hollies, it is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. A female selection, 'Pride of Butler' produces tiny white flowers in spring that bees visit. Pollen from nearby male American holly trees is necessary for any berry production.
The attractive, spiny leaves of this American holly emerge soft and bright green in spring, then darken turning leathery and duller with age. The broadly oval leaves display 10 to 12 spines along their edges. Small, white, four-petaled flowers appear in late spring on the current year's growth. These are fragrant and insect-pollinated. After pollination, an crop of small round berries form, which attain increasingly orange and red tones by very late summer.
Plant 'Pride of Butler' in full to partial sun and fertile, moist, average to well-drained, acid to neutral soil. Provide shelter from strong winter winds that can desiccate the foliage. Excessive shade will result in more open, leggy growth and diminish flowering and fruiting. American holly makes a stately solitary specimen and is suitable for large hedges, large-scale foundation plantings and spacious shrub borders. Its cut boughs make a festive addition to winter holiday arrangements, wreaths and swags.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
25'-50' / 7.6m - 15.2m (40)
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Width
15'-40' / 4.6m - 12.2m (25)
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Orange Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Olive
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Olive, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Olive, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Olive, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
