Viewing post #183544 by flaflwrgrl

Sharon said:Only the female hollies will produce red berries, though I think both male and female bloom. Not sure about that, but I know one of mine produces berries and the other doesn't. I don't think I've ever noticed whether or not they both bloom. The blooms on the one in the back are very tiny and in small clusters. The berries are pretty small too.

From Wikipedia re: American Holly Tree (Ilex opaca)

Like all hollies, it is dioecious, with separate male and female plants; only female plants produce the characteristic red berries. One male can pollenize several females.

And Vic, that's likely why sometimes you see lots of berries & sometimes not. Doubtless, the male or males may not be profusely blooming from one year to the next, thus less pollination of the females which would result in fewer berries.