Holly
Ilex opaca Ait.
Mature Size: 40 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in diameter.
Form: Pyramid-shaped evergreen, often retaining low branches.
Habitat: Grows on a variety of sites, especially moist, well-drained, acid soils.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, evergreen, leathery, glossy, 2 to 4 inches long, with widely spaced spines along the edges.
Flowers
Males and females on separate trees; dull greenish-white; males in clusters of 3 to 7; females single, with a pleasant odor; both appearing in late spring.
Fruit
On female trees only; bright red, round and berry-like, ¼ inch across, attached to a short stalk; ripens in fall and remains on the tree over winter.
Bark
Light gray and smooth at all ages.
Twigs
Slender, with rust-colored fuzz; buds small, reddish brown, pointed.
Values and Uses
The wood is light, close-grained and bone-colored. It is not a major commercial species, but it is sometimes used for interior finishing, inlays, veneers and novelties. The bitter-tasting berries are food for songbirds, deer, wild turkeys and a wide variety of other animals. Holly is a popular ornamental tree, and the foliage and berries are used for holiday decorations.
Did You Know?
Although holly wood is naturally very white, it can be easily dyed. When dyed black, it resembles tropical ebony wood and can be used for piano keys and other musical instrument parts.
