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Holly
Holly botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Holly

Ilex spp.
In the United States: Introduced · also called English holly

Honeybees visit holly flowers for abundant nectar and high-quality pollen during early spring bloom, supporting colony buildup after winter. Peak flowering occurs in late spring, with small white blooms attracting foragers on both male and female plants, though males provide the pollen. The dioecious nature requires planting both sexes for optimal pollination and fruit, and it thrives in moist, acidic soils but may need wind protection in exposed sites.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) April–June
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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