Common holly - Ilex aquifolium (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Common holly

Also known as: Holly Tree, European holly, Christmas holly, Hulst

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen tree or shrub, recognized by the characteristic shape of its leaves and bright red berries. Its natural habitat is understories of oak and beech forests. Common holly is widely used in landscaping in temperate regions. Thick crown and prickly leaves make this plant excellent for hedges.

Scientific classification

Species

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub, Tree

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Late fall, Winter, Early spring

Harvest Time

9 m

Plant Height

5 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, White, Variegated

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Yellow, Orange, Gold

Fruit Color

White, Green

Flower Color

Green, Red, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Common holly

Distribution of Common holly

Distribution Map

Common holly is native to western Europe, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. It is present in North America, New Zealand, and Turkey; in North America, it is considered invasive. It thrives in maquis and other shrubland biomes as well as forests and woods.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Scrub, hedges, woodland, under-storey shrub

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a hugely popular evergreen shrub that offers year-round appeal with its dark green waxy leaves, white flowers, and bright red berries. Its sturdy and dense growth means that it makes a good specimen tree or an attractive hedge. This makes a great addition to several types of gardens including cottage, informal, and coastal gardens. Common holly bright colors work well with geraniums, lobelias, and begonias.

Symbolism

Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck, inviting blessings

Interesting Facts

Varieties of common holly used to be used as winter fodder for livestock. It should not be consumed by humans, cats, or dogs, though, because the berries and, to a lesser extent, the leaves are toxic. Common holly wood used to be popular for the construction of bagpipes until imported hardwoods became more readily available.

Name Story

Common holly: The plants from the Ilex genus are called holly. There are a lot of different versions of its origins, but no matter which language it is derived from, Holly has become the name particularly used for Ilex genus. As this plant is the most common plant in the genus, it is called common holly.

Christmas holly: Its glossy green and prickly leaves and bright red berries (produced only by the female plant) are represented in wreaths, garlands, and cards wherever Christmas is celebrated. So, it is called Christmas Holly.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common holly, including the following common varieties :

Common holly 'Watereriana'Common holly 'Handsworth New Silver'Common holly 'Golden Queen'Common holly 'Ferox Argentea'Common holly 'Ferox'Common holly 'Madame Briot'Common holly 'Pyramidalis Fructu Luteo'Common holly 'Amber'Common holly 'Myrtifolia Aurea Maculata'Common holly 'Green Pillar'Common holly 'Golden Milkboy'Common holly 'Silver Queen'Common holly 'J.C. van Tol'Common holly 'Argentea Marginata'

Toxicity

The leaves and berries of common holly are mildly to moderately toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Cats should be kept away! Immediate veterinary attention may be needed. Though ingestion is rare due to spikey leaves, poisoning can cause liver damage in severe cases.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Common holly

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.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Common holly

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Common holly thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture, needing watering every 1-2 weeks. As an evergreen, it requires consistent hydration to support growth. Best suited for outdoor cultivation, common holly enjoys rainwater along with irrigation to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, common holly requires balanced nutrition fertilizers, switching to high nitrogen during active growth. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks in spring with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio, reducing in fall/winter. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy and ensure even soil distribution for improved health and aesthetics.

Pruning: Common holly requires annual pruning to encourage new branch growth for flowering and fruiting. Prune before early spring, ideally in winter, removing one-third of old branches and any unhealthy foliage. In snowy regions, bundle remaining branches to protect against damage from snow or ice.

Propagation: Common holly propagates best in spring and summer via cuttings, with moderate difficulty. Indicators of success include new leaf growth and root establishment. It is important to avoid overwatering while maintaining adequate moisture.

Repotting: For common holly, repot every 2-3 years in late winter to early spring to enhance growth. Choose a container slightly larger than the root ball and ensure good drainage. After repotting, maintain consistent soil moisture and provide dappled sunlight for optimal recovery and growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Common holly

Distribution of Common holly

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common holly

Care Guide for Common holly

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases