How to identify Common holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Common holly, also known as Holly Tree, European holly, Christmas holly, Hulst
Common holly stands out as an evergreen tree or shrub with a prominent erect and pyramidal shape. With an impressive height range of 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) and a width of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters), it boasts a dense branch structure. Its bark is smooth, transitioning in color from gray to black. The leaves are distinctive—alternate, simple, elliptic—and bear spiny teeth on their edges, alongside a leathery, glossy, dark green appearance. In spring, common holly reveals clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers, leading to the production of small red drupes in late summer to winter if pollination occurs.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Prominent pyramidal shape with dense branch structure, reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) in height.
Leaves are alternate, elliptic, dark green, glossy, spiny-toothed, and 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long.
Clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers with petals in a simple radial arrangement blooming May-June.
Small, spherical drupes in red, yellow, or orange with four seeds, persisting from late summer to winter.
Bark transitions from smooth greenish-gray to black, remaining unridged without peeling or flaking.
The leaves of common holly are distinctive with their thick, glossy texture and dark green coloration. They are simple and alternate, measuring 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) long. The margins are wavy and lined with prominent, spiny teeth. This unique combination of features makes the leaves easily recognizable and distinctive.
Common holly features clusters of small, white, and fragrant flowers that bloom from May to June. Each flower is typically about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. The blossoms are modestly sized and appear in clusters. The petals, four in number, are arranged in a simple radial pattern. Male and female plants are needed to ensure the production of berries, attributing to the dioecious nature of the species.
The fruit of common holly is characterized by small, spherical drupes about 1/4 inch (approximately 6 mm) in diameter. These fruits exhibit a vivid color palette, with variations of red, yellow, or orange. Each of the fruits encases four seeds within its fleshy body. Typically, the fruiting period spans from late summer, around August, into the fall months, peaking by October. It's common for the drupes to persist well into the winter season, providing a colorful display against the foliage. Birds are notably attracted to these berries, often assisting in the dispersal of seeds.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Common holly
