#175 (163a) HOLLY
Ilex aquifolium
Planted: circa 1917
Remains of hedge on the southern boundary of the American Section. Originally planted along the whole of the Arboretum southern boundary.
| Distribution: | Native to the UK and across Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It is common in woodland, scrub and hedgerows; especially in oak and beech woodland. Alternative names: common holly, English holly, European holly, or occasionally Christmas holly |
| Planting Date: | From Mr Hammond’s Planting Book: ‘Here a hedge of 140 plants of Ilex aquifolium from Plowmans 1916. Some 8 more were planted to fill gaps March 1918.‘ Plowman and Son, High Street and Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough, Leicestershire |
| Growth Habit: | Small tree or bush |
| Bark: | Smooth and thin with lots of small, brown ‘warts’, and the stems are dark brown. |
| Leaf: | Dark green, glossy and oval. Younger plants have spiky leaves, but the leaves of older trees are much more likely to be smooth. Leaves in the upper parts of the tree are also likely to be smooth. |
| Flowers: | Holly is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers occur on different trees. Flowers are white with four petals. They bloom any time between early spring and the very beginning of summer, depending on the climate. |
| Fruit: | Once pollinated by insects, female flowers develop into scarlet berries which can remain on the tree throughout winter. |
| Toxicity: | Holly BERRIES are poisonous and may be deadly. Not enough reliable information to know if holly LEAVES are safe to eat. Known side effects are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. |
| Potential tree size | Mature trees can grow up to 15m |
| Uses: | The whitest of all woods, heavy, hard and fine-grained. It can be stained and polished and is used to make furniture or in engraving work. It is commonly used to make walking sticks. Makes good firewood and burns with a strong heat. To decorate homes and make wreaths at Christmas. |
| Plant Hunter: | Native |
| Introduction Date: | Native |
| Anecdotes and Comments: | Scientists recently discovered that holly trees adjust their spiky armour in response to hungry animals and changing environments. They can produce some prickly leaves to fend off nibblers while others remain smooth. |