American Holly

Ilex opaca

Physical Characteristics

Ilex opaca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 15 m (49ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from November to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The roasted leaves are used as a tea substitute[161, 177]. They do not contain caffeine[183]. The drink was a very popular tea substitute during the American Civil war[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Diuretic Emetic Epilepsy Laxative Malaria Ophthalmic Skin The berries are laxative, emetic and diuretic[222]. They are used in the treatment of children's diarrhoea, colic and indigestion[222]. A tea made from the leaves has been used as a treatment for measles, colds etc[222, 257]. The leaves have also been used externally in the treatment of sore eyes, sore and itchy skin[222, 257]. A tea made from the bark was once used in the treatment of malaria and epilepsy[222]. It has also been used as a wash for sore eyes and itchy skin[257].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274]. The fruits can cause violent vomiting[222].