American holly
Ilex opaca
Family: Aquifoliaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 4-15 m tall. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are narrowly oval and 10 cm long by 5 cm wide. They have spines on the edge. They are not shiny and are slightly more yellow green underneath. The male and female flowers are usually on separate plants. They are dull white and in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a red berry 1 cm across.
There are about 400 Ilex species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to the United States. It grows on sandy soils near the coast. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, USA (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The roasted leaves are used for tea. They do not contain caffeine. Caution: The fruit are probably harmful.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves - tea