Holly Tree Ilex aquifolium

Holly Trees: A Field Guide

Holly isn’t just a holiday plant; unlike poinsettia it’s interesting year-round. The gloss and spine of holly’s leaves give it a unique character, with berries as an added bonus.

Among Ilex aquifolium’s hundreds of cultivars and hybrids, there is considerable variety, in leaf shape and color as well as in the berries, which can be a striking yellow. Growth can differ too, with branches sweeping down to the ground in some varieties. Variegated holly brings light into a dark garden, the berries becoming more red as autumn progresses.