Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' (hybrid of Ilex aquifolium and Ilex cornuta) · Evergreen, Broadleaf
Plant Family
Aquifoliaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Privacy Screen, Evergreen
Variety / Cultivar
Nellie R. Stevens
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6 through 9; cold hardy to roughly 0°F to -10°F.
About This Tree
A popular, fast-growing evergreen with a naturally symmetrical, pyramidal or upright conical shape. It features dense, lustrous, dark green foliage and produces prolific crops of bright red berries without the need for a male pollinator. It maintains a formal appearance with minimal pruning.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate arrangement; 2-3 inches long; dark glossy green on top, paler underneath. Leaves are leathery with typically 2-3 small spines per side, though shapes can be somewhat variable. They remain green throughout the year.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and light gray to brownish-gray in color. It remains relatively smooth even as the tree matures, with occasional lenticels and subtle texture changes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
United States (originated in Maryland); well-adapted to the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic US
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen foliage; flowers in spring (small white blossoms); berries ripen to red in late autumn and persist through winter; best planted in spring or fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sun for best berry production); moderate water needs; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
Mature Size
Mature height of 15-25 feet; spread of 8-15 feet; moderate to fast growth rate (up to 3 feet per year); can live for 50+ years.
Special Characteristics
Highly disease and pest resistant compared to other hollies; salt-tolerant; heat-tolerant; parthenocarpic (can produce berries without a male pollinator nearby); excellent for privacy hedges.
Wildlife & Ecology
The dense evergreen foliage provides excellent year-round nesting sites and cover for songbirds. The bright red berries are a vital food source for birds (such as robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds) and small mammals during the winter months.