Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf' (American Holly)

Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf' is an attractive, upright form of American holly first introduced by Monrovia Nursery in 1969. Typically growing to a mature size of 20-25' tall and 10-15' wide in a columnar, pyramidal form, this female cultivar is the perfect addition to large screens or in woodland gardens. In the spring, Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf' produces small, white flowers with a subtle fragrance that attract pollinators of all kinds; in the presence of a male pollinator like 'Jersey Knight,' these flowers will eventually turn to bright green berries in the summer months that then mature to bright red in the early fall, adding a beautiful pop of color among evergreen foliage, and ending gorgeous seasonal appeal to the fall and winter landscapes.

Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf' grows best in full sun, though it will also tolerate partial shade, and prefers acidic, fertile, well-draining sites. Like many hollies, 'Greenleaf' holly has large, glossy, evergreen leaves with sharp spines, making the tree resistant to deer and rabbit damage, but adding a potential hazard to yards where people or pets spend time barefoot. With its upright form, good height, and dense foliage, Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf' makes an excellent specimen tree or border plant, and with its tolerance of clay and black walnut soils, as well as minor salt content, it makes for a versatile tree in any yard.