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Photo: G. Bradley
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UK
Safari Tip:
Need help identifying trees? Try the colourful fold out chart called
"Tree Name Trail" from the Nature Shop - click
here
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Latin name: Ilex aquifolium
Size: Holly is a slow growing tree, but can attain a height of around 20 metres.
Distribution: Found throughout most of the UK.
Flowering months: The holly tree flowers between May and July. Male and female flowers appear on separate trees. In late autumn the female trees produce the familiar bright red berries.
Special features: The holly tree is one of our few native evergreen trees. Its leaves are thick and shiny, and if you compare the leaves on the lower branches with those on the upper branches, you'll notice that the leaves lower down are much more prickly. This is a defense mechanism to deter grazing animals such as cows, horses and rabbits from eating the foliage. The bark is smooth and grey
coloured.
Their colourful appearance throughout winter has made them a popular Christmas decoration for hundreds of years. Because of their association with the Christmas celebrations the berries were once known as holy berries.
Did You Know?
There is a great amount of folklore and superstition surrounding the holly tree. It was believed that holly planted around a house could protect the property against lightning strikes, sickness and witchcraft.
UK Safari Tree Section
UK Safari Plant + Tree Section
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