Overview
East Palatka Holly is an evergreen tree selected from the natural Florida hybrid Ilex × attenuata. It develops a pyramidal crown, white spring flowers, and red fall and winter berries on female trees.
Mature Size and Habit
Mature trees commonly reach 30 to 45 feet tall with a broad lower canopy. The upright young form expands with age, so provide substantial side and overhead clearance.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it as a specimen, tall screen, street-tree candidate where space permits, or evergreen anchor in a large residential landscape. Berries add winter color and wildlife value.
Sunlight
Full sun produces the densest canopy and strongest berry display. Partial shade is tolerated. Deep shade results in thinner branching and fewer flowers and fruit.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
It accepts many Florida soils when drainage is reasonable. Water deeply during establishment and drought. Keep the root flare visible and prevent irrigation from wetting the trunk base.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Plant from October through March for lower heat stress and strong rooting. A 30-gallon tree needs careful root-ball irrigation and inspection through its first dry season.
Pruning and Maintenance
Train one dominant leader and remove competing stems while young. Use structural pruning, never topping. Mature trees mainly need clearance, deadwood removal, and storm-damage correction.
Wildlife Value
Spring flowers support bees and other pollinators. Red berries feed birds, and the evergreen canopy offers nesting and shelter. Nearby compatible hollies improve pollination.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
East Palatka Holly handles Tampa heat, humidity, and winter cold and has good wind resistance. Newly planted trees remain vulnerable to drought and root-ball drying.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Berries should not be eaten by people or pets, and leaves have a terminal spine. Roots are not highly aggressive, but the mature tree needs distance from pavement, roofs, and utilities.
Invasive Concerns
Ilex × attenuata is a natural hybrid of two Florida native hollies, Ilex cassine and Ilex opaca. East Palatka is a named selection and is not considered invasive.
Helpful Resources
Review UF/IFAS East Palatka Holly and the Florida Native Plant Society.