Page 44 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 44
Trees
American Holly
(Ilex opaca)
Description
American Holly is an
evergreen. Its leaves are
leathery and glossy, 5 to
10 centimeters long, with
spines along the edges.
Leaves are arranged
alternating along the
branch. It grows up to 12
to 15 meters in height and 0.3 to 0.6 meters in diameter. Male and female
flowers grow on separate trees. The fruits are found only on female trees;
they are bright red, round, fleshy and berrylike.
American Holly is the official tree Distribution and Habitat
of Fairfax County. It is a popular
ornamental tree, and its foliage American Holly is found in the
and berries are used for holiday Coastal Plain, Piedmont and Blue
decorations. Ridge provinces. Trees grow in a
variety of habitats, especially those
with moist, well-drained, acidic soils.
Role in Food Web
The berries are a food source for a
variety of wildlife such as songbirds,
White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkeys.
r 40 r
American Holly
(Ilex opaca)
Description
American Holly is an
evergreen. Its leaves are
leathery and glossy, 5 to
10 centimeters long, with
spines along the edges.
Leaves are arranged
alternating along the
branch. It grows up to 12
to 15 meters in height and 0.3 to 0.6 meters in diameter. Male and female
flowers grow on separate trees. The fruits are found only on female trees;
they are bright red, round, fleshy and berrylike.
American Holly is the official tree Distribution and Habitat
of Fairfax County. It is a popular
ornamental tree, and its foliage American Holly is found in the
and berries are used for holiday Coastal Plain, Piedmont and Blue
decorations. Ridge provinces. Trees grow in a
variety of habitats, especially those
with moist, well-drained, acidic soils.
Role in Food Web
The berries are a food source for a
variety of wildlife such as songbirds,
White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkeys.
r 40 r
