Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’) is typically grown as a large shrub which quickly reaches a mature height of 15 to 25 feet and width of 8 to 15 feet. Its dense pyramidal form allows it to be trained into a small tree, if the lower branches are removed. This broadleaf evergreen is a vigorous drought and heat tolerant female clone that does better with southern summers than many other hollies. The small flowers that appear in spring are attractive to bees and other pollinators and it is a heavy fruiter, with bright red berries that appear in the fall and remain through the winter, feeding a variety of birds. The glossy dark green leaves are leathery and have spinose teeth. This plant does well in full sun to partial shade though it may need some protection from afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. It prefers rich, acidic, well-drained soil but does tolerate a range of soil types including heavy clay. It is best to avoid wet sites. Prune this plant to shape in the winter.