English Holly is a broadleaf evergreen tree or
shrub that typically grows to about 6-15 feet
tall. However, some plants can grow up to
30 feet tall. Leaves are dark green, lobed,
leathery and glossy, with spiny edges. Only
the female plants have the familiar
red berries. It typically blooms in late April
to early May.
English holly is carried by birds into forests
where it can form dense thickets that
dominate the tall shrub layer and suppress
germination and growth of native tree and
shrub species. It is an invasive species in
some states out west.
English Holly
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Ilex aquifolium
- Old and young leaves are glossy
- Have spines on oval leaves measuring
upto 2-4”
- Trees and shrubs produce red berries