See more
What does holly the plant look like?
The best way to identify holly trees and bushes is by looking at the leaves and berries. Individual species of hollies have distinctive glossy leaves with wavy margins and jaggy spines, small blunt points, or smooth edges.
What kind of plant is holly?
holly, (genus Ilex), genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae, distributed nearly worldwide. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which persist into winter and are popular Christmas decorations.
Is a holly plant a mistletoe?
The main difference between holly and mistletoe is that holly is either evergreen or deciduous tree, shrub or climber from tropics to temperate zones worldwide whereas mistletoe is an obligate hemiparasitic plant native to Europe.
How many types of holly bushes are there?
480Holly trees and shrubs fall within the Ilex genus of plants—the only genus of the Aquifoliaceae family. 1 There are about 480 deciduous and evergreen species within this genus, including trees, shrubs, and climbing lianas. There are native holly plants spread throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the world.
Is there a plant called holly?
Common holly, Ilex aquifolium, has shiny, evergreen leaves. It can be grown as a specimen tree, a clipped bush or a hedge. There are dozens of varieties, many of which have variegated leaves.
What does holly symbolize?
The Druids regarded holly as a symbol of fertility and eternal life, thought to have magical powers. Today, Christians have adopted the holly tree as a symbol for Christmas. The sharp leaves are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ, while the berries represent his blood.
Do you kiss under a holly?
He was revived with the help of the mistletoe plant. It is said that her tears on the plant became the white berries, and they blessed the plant so that anyone who should stand under it would never be harmed and would receive a kiss as a token of love.
What do you use holly for?
English holly and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. The berries are very poisonous and should not be swallowed. Historically, American holly fruit tea was used as a heart stimulant by American Indians.
Is holly poisonous?
Holly leaves, branches and berries are beautiful holiday decorations, but the berries are poisonous to people and pets. Swallowing holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness.
What is the best holly tree?
5 Best Holly Trees For PrivacyAmerican Holly (Ilex opaca) The American holly is native to the eastern and south-central United States. ... Dragon Lady Holly (Ilex x aquipernyi) ... Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta) ... Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x Nellie R. ... Longstalk Holly (Ilex pedunculosa)
What is the Latin name for holly?
IlexHolly / Scientific name
How do you take care of a holly plant?
Once planted and properly established, hollies need very little care and attention. They may need regular watering during prolonged dry periods in summer, especially when young and establishing in the soil. Feed with a general granular plant food in spring and cover the soil with a thick mulch.
Is a holly tree a fruit tree?
In the center of female holly flowers, there is a small, green ball shaped fruit that, if pollinated, will become the red berries that holly plants are famous for.
Is holly an evergreen?
It is a genus of small, evergreen trees with smooth, glabrous, or pubescent branchlets. The plants are generally slow-growing with some species growing to 25 m (82 ft) tall. The type species is the European holly Ilex aquifolium described by Linnaeus.
Is holly a coniferous?
For example, it is evergreen but not a conifer. A holly tree is either male or female. Also, holly leaves have spines and a thick, protective and waxy cuticle.
How do you take care of a holly plant?
Caring for your holly bush: Water daily for the first week after you plant your holly bush, then twice a week afterward until they are established. After that, the bush should receive at least 2 inches of water per week. Fertilize once a year. Weed often, and prune regularly so that the holly doesn't choke itself out.
What is the genus of holly?
Ilex / ˈaɪlɛks /, or holly, is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The type species is Ilex aquifolium, the common European holly used in Christmas ...
Where does the holly genus come from?
Ilex canariensis, from Macaronesia, and Ilex aquifolium arose from a common ancestor in the laurel forests of the Mediterranean.
What is the name of the blue holly?
Moreover, many hundreds of hybrids and cultivars have been developed for garden use, among them the very popular " Highclere holly", Ilex × altaclerensis ( I. aquifolium × I. perado) and the "blue holly", Ilex × meserveae ( I. aquifolium × I. rugosa ). The cultivars I. × meserveae Blue Prince = 'Conablu' and Blue Princess = 'Conapri' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society ’s Award of Garden Merit. Hollies are often used for hedges; the spiny leaves make them difficult to penetrate, and they take well to pruning and shaping.
How did the Holly genus adapt to different ecological niches?
The phylogeography of this group provides examples of various speciation mechanisms at work. In this scenario ancestors of this group became isolated from the remaining Ilex when the Earth mass broke away into Gondwana and Laurasia about 82 million years ago, resulting in a physical separation of the groups and beginning a process of change to adapt to new conditions. This mechanism is called allopatric speciation. Over time, survivor species of the holly genus adapted to different ecological niches. This led to reproductive isolation, an example of ecological speciation. In the Pliocene, around five million years ago, mountain formation diversified the landscape and provided new opportunities for speciation within the genus.
How tall does a holly tree get?
The plants are generally slow-growing with some species growing to 25 m (82 ft) tall. The type species is the European holly Ilex aquifolium described by Linnaeus.
What does ilex mean in Latin?
Etymology. Ilex in Latin means the holm-oak or evergreen oak ( Quercus ilex ). Despite the Linnaean classification of Ilex as holly, as late as the 19th century in Britain, the term Ilex was still being applied to the oak as well as the holly – possibly due to the superficial similarity of the leaves.
Where does English Holly grow?
Along the west coast of North America, from California to British Columbia, English holly ( Ilex aquifolium ), which is grown commercially, is quickly spreading into native forest habitat, where it thrives in shade and crowds out native species.
What is the genus of Holly?
Holly, (genus Ilex ), genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae, distributed nearly worldwide. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which persist into winter and are popular Christmas decorations.
How many species of holly are there?
Aquifoliaceae, the holly family, in the order Aquifoliales, found worldwide, comprising two genera and about 400 species of shrubs and trees, best known for the genus Ilex ( see holly). Four species of Byronia are in the Polynesian and Australian area, and only one species of mountain holly ( Nemopanthus mucronatus) is….
How tall is a holly tree?
English holly(I. aquifolium), a tree growing to 15 metres (nearly 50 feet) tall, bears shining spiny dark evergreen leaves and usually red fruits. The somewhat taller American holly(I. opaca) has oblong prickly leaves and usually red fruits. There are spineless and yellow-fruited forms of both species.
How tall is a shrub?
Shrub, any woody plant that has several stems, none dominant, and is usually less than 3 m (10 feet) tall. When much-branched and dense, it may be called a bush. Intermediate between shrubs and trees are arborescences, or treelike shrubs, from 3 to 6 m tall. Trees are generally defined…. tree.
What is a tree?
tree. tree, woody plant that regularly renews its growth (per ennial). Most plants classified as trees have a single self-supporting trunk containing woody tissues, and in most species the trunk produces secondary limbs, called branches. To many, the word tree evokes…. Aquifoliaceae.
What are the different types of holly?
Nearly all of these variations can be sorted into four basic groups: English holly (glossy, spiny foliage); American holly (similar to its English cousin, but with duller leaves); Chinese holly (large glossy, spineless varieties); and hybrid holly.
What is holly family?
Colorful Combinations. The diverse holly family includes trees and shrubs that come in a variety of forms: columnar, pyramidal, rounded, or weeping. Their foliage varies, too, ranging from large, spiny leaves to smooth, small leaves that resemble boxwood.
How tall does Ilex verticillata grow?
It tolerates wet soil and is very hardy. It grows to 8 feet tall and wide. Zones 3-9
What is a tall evergreen holly?
Tall evergreen hollies are good for creating a dense hedge or screen. When used as barrier plants, holly varieties with spiny leaves are nearly impenetrable. No matter where you plant holly, if pollinated its colorful berries add splashes of winter color and food for birds.
How big does Ilex vomitoria grow?
Ilex vomitoria is native to North America and grows 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It tolerates wet soil well and is a top hedge variety. Zones 8-10
How long do holly berries last?
Many holly plants will produce colorful fruit that remains in place for three to six months of the year, depending on the density of the wildlife population. Whether you want to showcase these colorful berries in the yard or use them to perk up holly branches in an arrangement, you need to have separate male and female plants near each other in the landscape.
How big does Lex Verticillata get?
The plant tolerates a wide variety of soils, though it does best in moist, well-drained ground. It can grow 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Zones 4-9
What is the name of the evergreen holly tree?
Evergreen American holly trees are also called the Christmas holly.
What is the most common deciduous holly plant?
The most common deciduous holly plant is the native winterberry shrub. The slow-growing deciduous holly shrub leaves may turn maroon in the fall before the leaves drop. Then abundant bright red berries growing on bare stems add plenty of color throughout the winter until the following spring when the green leaves start to grow back.
How tall does a yaupon holly grow?
A dwarf variety of yaupon holly is the ‘Nana’ cultivar which has compact, rounded growth. The dense evergreen shrub grows up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall and 6 ft. (1.8 m) spread and is a popular landscape plant that can be used for topiary.
How to identify holly bushes?
The best way to identify holly trees and bushes is by looking at the leaves and berries. Individual species of hollies have distinctive glossy leaves with wavy margins and jaggy spines, small blunt points, or smooth edges. Also, species of female holly trees are identifiable by the berries they produce because male hollies don’t grow berries.
What is dwarf holly?
Dwarf holly shrubs are ideal plants for compact gardens, evergreen hedgerows, or growing in containers. The dwarf shrubs have all the recognizable features of the larger bushes and trees. In addition, spiky, evergreen foliage and clusters of red berries make dwarf holly shrubs popular for winter gardens.
What is the shape of a holly tree?
The American holly tree looks like the English holly and is often used for Christmas decorations. The tall holly tree has an open, pyramidal shape .
How tall do holly trees grow?
Hollies are classed as dioecious plants, meaning that male and female flowers grow on different plants. Holly trees can grow between 30 and 80 ft. (10 – 24 m) tall. However, holly bushes typically grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall and are multi-stemmed plants.
What are the different types of holly bushes?
18 Types of Holly Bushes. 1. American Holly. The American holly ( Ilex opaca) is commonly used as a substitute for the English holly in Christmas décor, in areas where the latter doesn’t grow as well. Both varieties look similar, in that they have an abundance of red berries and sharp-toothed foliage.
What kind of holly is used in decorating?
The English holly and the American holly are the most common types of holly bushes used in holiday décor, though there are countless other options available. With so many types of hollies to choose from, there is sure to be one, or many, that will meet your landscape needs.
Why is a long stalk holly called a peduncle?
The longstalk holly ( Illex pedunculosa) gets its name because the fruit that it produces grows at the end of a long stalk, called a peduncle. These types of hollies are an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your garden during fall and winter months.
Why are holly bushes so popular?
Holly bushes and trees are a great way to bring life to your garden during the winter months. While, in the summer, hollies can create a dreamy backdrop for the rest of your plants and shrubs. These plants are very popular in Christmas décor, mostly due to the fact that they are often associated with symbols of renaissance and hope.
How tall do Hawaiian hollies grow?
These shrubs grow to reach an average height of 30 to 40 feet, with a lifespan of over five years. The fruit on the Hawaiian holly is a purple-black color, while the leaves are a glossy, dark green with paler green undersides. These hollies also form clusters of white flowers with greenish centers.
How tall are holly bushes?
They typically reach a height of between 10 and 40 feet. Like the American holly, the English holly has spines on the edges of their deep, shiny green leaves. All-female varieties produce fragrant white flowers in early summertime, which develop into bright berries in white, yellow, orange, or red colors.
What color are holly berries?
In autumn, berries and fruits appear in a wide array of colors including pink, yellow, white, black, and numerous shades of red. Most, though not all, holly plant varieties feature characteristic glossy green leaves with serrated edges and barbed teeth.
What is a Hollyhock plant?
Flowers. Hollyhock ( alcea rosea) is a species of flowering garden plants with colorful white, purple, pink, red, and yellow cup-shaped flowers growing on tall spikes. Hollyhock flowers have a long blooming season, and their tall growth makes them useful landscaping plants.
How big are Hollyhock leaves?
Hollyhock leaves are large, rounded leaves in a palmate or scalloped shape with five to seven lobes. Leaves on hollyhock plants measure 2” to 3” (5 – 7.5 cm) across. An identifying feature of hollyhocks is the large round leathery leaves growing on long stems (petioles).
When Do Hollyhocks Bloom?
Hollyhock flowers bloom during the warm summer months from June until August. Because hollyhocks grow as biennials, the flowers bloom during the second year of growth. Deadheading can help to extend hollyhock’s blooming season. By removing spent flowers, you can enjoy the spectacular flowers through fall and until the first frost.
How do Hollyhocks reproduce?
Their rapid growth means the flowering hollyhock plants reach maturity in a single season. Hollyhocks reproduce through seeds. The reseeding takes place when seeds drop from spent flowers. The Alcea plants die back in the winter.
What series is Hollyhock in?
Hollyhock ‘Mars Magic’ belongs to the Spotlight hollyhock series.
What is the name of the flower with a funnel shape?
Hollyhock ‘Halo Cerise’ has beautiful deep pink flowers shaped like an open funnel. The name of this Alcea rosea hollyhock—‘Halo Cerise’— comes from the halo-like cerise pink margin of the petals and the deep purple center. The best place to plant these flowers is along a wall or fence.
How big do spring celebrities hollyhocks get?
The white ‘Spring Celebrities’ hollyhock thrives in USDA zones 6 to 9. The flowering brilliant white flowering spikes mature at 2 to 2.5 ft. (60 – 80 cm) high and a spread of 1.5 ft. (45 cm) wide.
Overview
Description
The genus Ilex includes over 560 species, divided into three subgenera:
• Ilex subg. Byronia, with the type species Ilex polypyrena
• Ilex subg. Prinos, with 12 species
• Ilex subg. Ilex, with the rest of the species
Etymology
Ilex in Latin means the holm-oak or evergreen oak (Quercus ilex). Despite the Linnaean classification of Ilex as holly, as late as the 19th century in Britain, the term Ilex was still being applied to the oak as well as the holly – possibly due to the superficial similarity of the leaves. The name "holly" in common speech refers to Ilex aquifolium, specifically stems with berries used in Christmas decoration. By extension, "holly" is also applied to the whole genus. The origin of the …
History
The phylogeography of this group provides examples of various speciation mechanisms at work. In this scenario ancestors of this group became isolated from the remaining Ilex when the Earth mass broke away into Gondwana and Laurasia about 82 million years ago, resulting in a physical separation of the groups and beginning a process of change to adapt to new conditions. This m…
Range
The genus is distributed throughout the world's different climates. Most species make their home in the tropics and subtropics, with a worldwide distribution in temperate zones. The greatest diversity of species is found in the Americas and in Southeast Asia.
Ilex mucronata, formerly the type species of Nemopanthus, is native to eastern North America. Nemopanthus was treated as a separate genus with eight species. of the family Aquifoliaceae, n…
Ecology
Often the tropical species are especially threatened by habitat destruction and overexploitation. At least two species of Ilex have become extinct recently, and many others are barely surviving.
They are extremely important food for numerous species of birds, and also are eaten by other wild animals. In the autumn and early winter the fruits are hard and apparently unpalatable. After being frozen or frosted several times, the fruits soften, and become milder in taste. During winter storms,
Toxicity
Holly can contain caffeic acid, caffeoyl derivatives, caffeoylshikimic acid, chlorogenic acid, feruloylquinic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, kaempferol, tannins, rutin, caffeine, and theobromine.
Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea. They are especially dangerous in cases involving accidental consumption by children attracted to the bright red berries. Ingestion of over 20 berries may be fatal to children.
Uses
Leaves of some holly species are used by some cultures to make daily tea. These species are Yerba mate (I. paraguariensis), Ilex guayusa, Kuding (Ilex kaushue), Yaupon (I. vomitoria) and others. Leaves of other species, such as gallberry (I. glabra) are bitter and emetic. In general little is known about inter-species variation in constituents or toxicity of hollies.