American holly

plural American hollies

1. uncountableusuallyA species of holly, Ilex opaca, native to the eastern United States.

   The American holly was accepted as Delaware's state tree on May 1, 1939.

   2002, Jennifer Quasha, How to Draw Delaware's Sights and Symbols, page 20

   2 more examples

   On all American hollies, a vertical incision, three-fourths of an inch above basal cut, helps materially in producing a better root system.

   1956, National Horticultural Magazine, volumes 35-36, American Horticultural Society, page 174

   Most familiar among them is the American Holly (Ilex opaca) whose prickly, broad evergreen leaves and bright red berries are a welcome splash of color in the winter landscape, as well as a symbol of the Christmas holiday.

   2008, Mike Bottini, The Walking Dunes: East Hampton's Hidden Treasure, page 87