Ilex aquifolium

Illustration Ilex aquifolium0

Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as European holly, Christmas holly, or simply holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It is the type species of the genus Ilex.

Description

Ilex aquifolium is an evergreen tree or shrub that can grow to a height of 10–25 meters. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a spiny, wavy margin. The plant produces small white flowers in late spring, which are dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. The fruit is a red drupe containing four seeds, which matures in late autumn and remains on the plant throughout the winter.

Habitat

Ilex aquifolium is commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to deep shade.

Ecology

The berries of Ilex aquifolium are an important food source for many species of birds, including the song thrush and the mistle thrush. The dense foliage provides excellent shelter for birds and other wildlife. The plant is also a host plant for the holly blue butterfly.

Cultural significance

Ilex aquifolium has a long history of use in European folklore and Christmas traditions. The plant is often used in Christmas decorations, including wreaths and garlands. In Druidic traditions, holly was considered a sacred plant and was believed to protect against evil spirits.

Cultivation

Ilex aquifolium is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is valued for its attractive foliage and bright red berries. Numerous cultivars have been developed, including forms with variegated leaves and different growth habits.

Conservation

Ilex aquifolium is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population. However, it is protected in some areas to prevent over-harvesting of wild plants for Christmas decorations.

See also

• Ilex
• Aquifoliaceae
• Evergreen
• Dioecious plant
• Christmas decoration