Ilex opaca Satyr Hill, commonly known as American Holly, is a stately evergreen tree prized for its dense, pyramidal form, dark green spiny leaves, and vibrant red berries. A female cultivar of the native Ilex opaca, Satyr Hill is especially valued for its heavy fruit production and uniform habit. It typically grows 15 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for privacy screening, specimen planting, or native woodland gardens. The glossy foliage and bright berries add year-round interest and provide important wildlife habitat.

Why choose Ilex opaca Satyr Hill

Native evergreen beauty: Year-round structure with seasonal berries

Heavy fruiting: Produces abundant red berries when pollinated

Wildlife-friendly: Supports birds and pollinators

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil

Maintenance: Low—prune to shape if desired; requires a male holly nearby for fruit

Designs for your garden

Specimen tree: Makes a bold statement in large beds or lawns

Screen or hedge: Evergreen privacy with ecological benefits

Native woodland gardens: Integrates well with understory and forest edge plantings

Ecological benefits

Bird food source: Red berries feed birds through winter

Pollinator value: Small spring flowers support native bees

Native species: Strengthens local ecosystems and biodiversity

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Ilex opaca – American Holly