Ilex opaca ‘Dan Fenton’, commonly known as Dan Fenton Holly, is a cultivar of the native American Holly, prized for its dense, pyramidal habit, rich green foliage, and heavy production of bright red berries. This female selection grows 15 to 25 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, making it ideal for use as a specimen, privacy screen, or evergreen hedge. Its bold evergreen leaves are less spiny than the species, and its berries provide critical food for birds in winter. As a cultivar of a native species, Dan Fenton Holly offers both ornamental appeal and strong ecological value.

Why choose Dan Fenton Holly:

• Native evergreen: Year-round structure with glossy green foliage

• Bright red berries: Abundant fruit supports overwintering birds

• Refined form: More compact and dense than the species, great for residential landscapes

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

• Maintenance: Minimal; prune in winter or early spring if shaping is needed

Designs for your garden:

• Privacy screens: Tall, dense growth makes it a natural barrier

• Native foundation plantings: Works well in formal or naturalized designs

• Wildlife gardens: Supports birds and beneficial insects year-round

Ecological benefits:

• Native cultivar: Maintains habitat and food value of the straight species

• Bird-friendly: Red berries are a critical winter food source

• Pollinator support: Spring flowers attract native bees