Holly 
(ilex)

The Holly Ilex aquifolium is native to Europe and West Asia. It is an evergreen tree or shrub. It is very common in woods and hedgerows and even grows on open hillsides and rocky mountain slopes. It has been widely planted in churchyards and gardens. It is often found growing in the deep shade of oak and beech woodlands. The evergreen leaves are glossy and spiny. The flowers open in spring and the red fruit ‘berries’ are green in July but ripe by October. The ‘berries’ are eaten by birds in winter. There are many ‘cultivated varieties’ for sale. They differ in leaf shape and colour and are popular as evergreen ornamental plants.

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