Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as Holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Holly plays a crucial role as a mid-story plant in food forests, providing shelter and food for wildlife. Its dense, spiny foliage offers protection and nesting sites for birds, while its bright red berries are a vital winter food source for many bird species. Holly is also valuable in hedgerows, enhancing biodiversity and landscape connectivity. Historically, Holly has been used in traditional European winter celebrations and as a symbol of protection. In a regenerative context, it can be paired with nitrogen-fixing shrubs like Elaeagnus to improve soil fertility and with ground covers like clover to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
Growing Details
Holly thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. For optimal growth, mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like lavender and rosemary can help deter pests. Avoid overwatering, as Holly is susceptible to root rot. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Holly is slow-growing, so patience is required for establishment.
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Building Wood
Windbreak
Invasive
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Ilex aquifolium</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to western and southern Europe, northw
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of December for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The berries of Holly are toxic and not suitable for consumption. They should be avoided due to their potential to cause nausea and vomiting.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Holly leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat fever and rheumatism. However, its medicinal use is limited and should be approached with caution due to potential toxicity.
health concerns: Holly berries are toxic if ingested in large quantities, causing nausea and vomiting. Caution is advised, especially around children and pets.
other uses: Holly wood is dense and hard, making it suitable for small woodworking projects and tool handles. It is also used decoratively in winter holiday arrangements.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Ilex aquifolium</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Ilex aquifolium
common names: Common Holly; English Holly; European Holly
family: Aquifoliaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Ilex
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 2.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / -10ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(7/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Late
growth rate: Slow
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 8.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: Holly thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. For optimal growth, mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like lavender and rosemary can help deter pests. Avoid overwatering, as Holly is susceptible to root rot. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Holly is slow-growing, so patience is required for establishment.
Potential Disturbances: Holly is generally resistant to pressures, but can occasionally suffer from leaf miners, scale insects, and holly leaf blight. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to manage aphid populations. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray for scale insects. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...