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Holly
Holly botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Holly

Ilex opaca

Honeybees primarily visit American holly for its abundant pollen from male flowers, providing an important early-season pollen source; peak bloom occurs in April-May. Nectar production is minimal and does not contribute to surplus honey flow. As a dioecious species, plant male individuals to ensure pollen availability; it's slow-growing and prefers moist, acidic soils.

Nectarlow
Pollenhigh
BloomApril–June
USDA zones5-9
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeEastern North America
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