American holly for birds in Maryland
Evergreen winter cover and red fruit. Native to Maryland, where it feeds or shelters 28 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Ilex opaca
- Native status
- Native in Maryland
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–8a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Maryland birds supported
- 28
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in Maryland
Humid subtropical on the Chesapeake coastal plain, cooler in the Appalachian west.
Hot, humid summers around the Chesapeake.
Maryland birds that use American holly
Year-round residents (10)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (13)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (5)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush
Mild winters in the east with regular snow in the western mountains.
Nesting season it supports in Maryland
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use American holly:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
Native plants to pair with American holly in Maryland
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is American holly native to Maryland?
Yes. American holly (Ilex opaca) is recorded as native in Maryland. Maryland spans USDA 6a–8a.
What birds does American holly attract in Maryland?
In Maryland, American holly supports 28 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does American holly help nesting birds in Maryland?
23 of those birds nest in Maryland: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use American holly in Maryland?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush use it in Maryland during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Maryland
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.