A popular landscape plant since the beginning of American history, this broad-leafed evergreen has served a variety of uses through the years. The American Indians used preserved Holly berries as decorative buttons and were much sought after by other tribes who bartered for them. The wood has been used for making canes, scroll work and furniture, and has even been substituted for ebony in inlay work when stained black.
Scientific name: Ilex opaca
Pronunciation: EYE-lecks oh-PAY-kuh
Common name(s): American Holly
Fact sheet: American Holly
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