Ilex opaca Longwood Gold

Longwood Gold Holly

Ilex opaca ‘Longwood Gold’ is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage and unusual golden-yellow berries on female plants when pollinated. This American holly has classic spiny leaves and a dense pyramidal habit, with the yellow fruit creating distinctive winter contrast against the dark evergreen foliage.

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 specimen planting, screening, native evergreen borders, and large foundation plantings where unusual berry color adds winter interest. The golden fruit provides a striking alternative to red-berried hollies.

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.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub

Height

15-20'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No