Ilex opaca Dan Fenton

Dan Fenton Holly

Ilex opaca ‘Dan Fenton’ is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense branching, and strong pyramidal habit. This American holly has classic spiny leaves that provide year-round texture and structure, and female plants may produce bright red berries when pollinated. Its uniform growth habit makes it especially useful in formal evergreen plantings.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 8–10 ft · Height: 15–20 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Dense, pyramidal

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for screening, specimen planting, native evergreen borders, and large foundation plantings where classic evergreen structure is desired. Its strong pyramidal form gives reliable year-round presence.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought during establishment. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. A male American holly nearby improves berry production on female plants.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

15-20'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No