Description

Ilex aquifolium, also known as common holly or European holly, is an evergreen shrub or tree of the Aquifoliaceae family, growing to between 10 and 15 m in height.Tolerant and low-maintenance, it prefers rich, well-drained soil and is drought-resistant. The tough, shiny, oval to lanceolate evergreen leaves with serrated, spiny margins are dark green above and lighter below. The flowers, grouped in small clusters, are small, white and inconspicuous. The fruit are bright red spherical berries that persist for much of the winter. Toxic to humans, they are an important source of food for birds.

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Origin

Ilex aquifolium is native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It grows in mixed forests, forest edges, hedgerows and wooded areas along watercourses. It is also widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks in many parts of the world because of its glossy evergreen leaves and decorative red berries. It is also used as a hedge or border plant in landscaping because of its dense growth and thorny leaves, which provide an effective privacy screen. Holly branches, with their leaves and berries, are used in Christmas decorations and other seasonal floral arrangements.