American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Family: Aquifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The roasted leaves are used as a tea substitute. They do not contain caffeine. The drink was a very popular tea substitute during the American Civil war. — The roasted leaves are used as a tea substitute.; They do not contain caffeine.; The drink was a very popular tea substitute during the American Civil war.

Habitat & North American Range

Grows in a variety of soil types, but it is generally found in deep moist bottomlands. Moist woods, hedges and fields. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)