Plant Family: Aquifoliaceae - 569 Species in Genus Ilex

January 5 – Ilex
"Ilex, the holly, defines January 5."
Ilex symbolizes protection and cheer. You have a spirited and joyful presence that brings warmth and positivity, even in the coldest of times. Like the holly's evergreen leaves and vibrant berries, you stand out as a beacon of hope and resilience, offering comfort and strength to those around you.

Table of Contents

Exploring the Aquifoliaceae Family: A Deep Dive into Ilex

As a plant enthusiast, I find the Aquifoliaceae family fascinating, particularly its most well-known genus, Ilex. This family, commonly known as the holly family, consists of various species that capture my interest for their beauty and ecological importance.

What is the Aquifoliaceae Family?

The Aquifoliaceae family includes over 500 species across several genera, with Ilex being the most prominent. This family is primarily found in temperate and tropical regions, contributing significantly to diverse ecosystems. The plants in this family often thrive in shaded areas, making them essential for undergrowth habitats. Their glossy leaves and vibrant berries not only add aesthetic value but also support wildlife.

Genus Ilex: What is a holly tree?

As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I can tell you holly trees are those festive ones with shiny green leaves that always seem a little prickly. They’re the ones with bright red berries in the winter that birds love to gobble up. In the summer, they provide nice shade, and I remember building forts out of holly branches as a kid – though let me tell you, those spiky leaves will definitely teach you to be careful!

Ilex species

Ilex abscondita Steyerm.
Ilex aculeolata Nakai
Ilex acutidenticulata Steyerm.
Ilex affinis Gardner
Ilex aggregata (Ruiz & Pav.) Loes.
Ilex alternifolia (Zoll. & Moritzi) Loes.
Ilex altiplana Steyerm.
Ilex amazonensis Edwin
Ilex ambigua (Michx.) Torr.
Ilex amelanchier M.A.Curtis ex Chapm.
Ilex amplifolia Rusby
Ilex amygdalina Reissek ex Loes.
Ilex andicola Loes.
Ilex angulata Merr. & Chun
Ilex angustissima Reissek
Ilex annamensis Tardieu
Ilex anodonta Standl. & Steyerm.
Ilex anomala Hook. & Arn.
Ilex antonii Elmer
Ilex apicidens N.E.Br.
Ilex apiensis S.Andrews
Ilex aquifolium L.
Ilex aracamuniana Steyerm.
Ilex archeri Edwin
Ilex ardisiifrons Reissek
Ilex argentina Lillo
Ilex arimensis (Loes.) Britton ex R.O.Williams
Ilex arisanensis Yamam.
Ilex arnhemensis (F.Muell.) Loes.
Ilex asperula Mart. ex Reissek
Ilex asprella Champ. ex Benth.
Ilex atabapoensis T.R.Dudley
Ilex atrata W.W.Sm.
Ilex × attenuata Ashe Plant FAQs: Eagleston Holly Tree – Ilex X Attenuata
Ilex auricula S.Andrews
Ilex austrosinensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex azuensis Loes.
Ilex baasiana B.C.Stone & Kiew
Ilex bahiahondica (Loes.) P.A.González
Ilex barahonica Loes.
Ilex belizensis Lundell
Ilex berteroi Loes.
Ilex bidens C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex bidoupensis Yahara & Tagane
Ilex bioritsensis Hayata
Ilex biserrulata Loes.
Ilex blancheana Judd
Ilex blanchetii Loes.
Ilex brachyphylla (Hand.-Mazz.) S.Y.Hu
Ilex brandegeeana Loes.
Ilex brasiliensis (Spreng.) Loes.
Ilex brevicuspis Reissek
Ilex brevipedicellata Steyerm.
Ilex buergeri Miq.
Ilex bullata Cuatrec.
Ilex buxifolia Gardner
Ilex buxoides S.Y.Hu
Ilex calcicola W.B.Liao & K.W.Xu
Ilex canariensis Poir.
Ilex cardonae Steyerm.
Ilex cassine L. Plant FAQs: Ilex Cassine – Dahoon Holly
Ilex cauliflora H.W.Li ex Y.R.Li
Ilex celebensis Capit.
Ilex centrochinensis S.Y.Hu
Ilex cerasifolia Reissek
Ilex chamaebuxus C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex chamaedryfolia Reissek
Ilex championii Loes.
Ilex chapaensis Merr.
Ilex chengbuensis C.J.Qi & Q.Z.Lin
Ilex chengkouensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex cheniana T.R.Dudley
Ilex chevalieri Tardieu
Ilex chinensis Sims
Ilex chingiana Hu & Tang
Ilex chiriquensis Standl.
Ilex chuguangii M.M.Lin
Ilex chuniana S.Y.Hu
Ilex ciliolata Steyerm.
Ilex cinerea Champ. ex Benth.
Ilex clementis Britton & P.Wilson
Ilex clethriflora S.Andrews
Ilex cochinchinensis (Lour.) Loes.
Ilex cochlearifolia Schlüssel & Barriera
Ilex cognata Reissek
Ilex colchica Pojark.
Ilex collina Alexander
Ilex colombiana Cuatrec.
Ilex condensata Turcz.
Ilex condorensis Pierre
Ilex confertiflora Merr.
Ilex congesta Reissek
Ilex conocarpa Reissek
Ilex cookii Britton & P.Wilson
Ilex corallina Franch.
Ilex coriacea (Pursh) Chapm.
Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxton
Ilex corymbosa A.J.Ford & Halford
Ilex costaricensis Donn.Sm.
Ilex costata Edwin
Ilex cowanii Wurdack
Ilex crassifolioides Loes.
Ilex crenata Thunb. Plant FAQs: Ilex Crenata Compacta – Plant FAQs: Ilex Crenata Hoogendorn – Plant FAQs: Ilex Crenata Chesapeake
Ilex cubana Loes.
Ilex culmenicola Steyerm.
Ilex curranii Merr.
Ilex cuthbertii Small
Ilex cymosa Blume
Ilex cyrtura Merr.
Ilex dabieshanensis K.Yao & M.B.Deng
Ilex danielis Killip & Cuatrec.
Ilex daphnogenea Reissek
Ilex dasyclada C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex dasyphylla Merr.
Ilex davidsei Steyerm.
Ilex decidua Walter Plant FAQs: Ilex Decidua – Possumhaw
Ilex dehongensis S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex delavayi Franch.
Ilex densifolia Miq.
Ilex denticulata Wall. ex Wight
Ilex depressifructu Pruesapan & Welzen
Ilex dianguiensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex dicarpa Y.R.Li
Ilex dictyoneura Loes.
Ilex dimorphophylla Koidz.
Ilex dioica (Vahl) Griseb.
Ilex diospyroides Reissek
Ilex dipyrena Wall.
Ilex discolor Hemsl.
Ilex diuretica Mart. ex Reissek
Ilex divaricata Mart. ex Reissek
Ilex dolichopoda Merr. & Chun
Ilex duarteensis Loes.
Ilex dugesii Fernald
Ilex duidae Gleason
Ilex dumosa Reissek
Ilex editicostata Hu & Tang
Ilex elliptica Kunth
Ilex elmerrilliana S.Y.Hu
Ilex embelioides Hook.f.
Ilex emmae D.M.Hicks
Ilex englishii Lace
Ilex eoa Alain
Ilex ericoides Loes.
Ilex estriata C.J.Tseng
Ilex euryoides C.J.Tseng
Ilex excavata Pierre
Ilex excelsa (Wall.) Voigt
Ilex fanshawei Edwin
Ilex farallonensis Cuatrec.
Ilex fargesii Franch.
Ilex fengqingensis C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex ferruginea Hand.-Mazz.
Ilex ficifolia C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex ficoidea Hemsl.
Ilex floribunda Reissek ex Maxim.
Ilex florifera Fawc. & Rendle
Ilex flosparva Cuatrec.
Ilex formosana Maxim.
Ilex forrestii H.F.Comber
Ilex fragilis Hook.f.
Ilex friburgensis Loes.
Ilex fruticosa S.Andrews
Ilex fuertensiana (Loes.) T.R.Dudley
Ilex fukienensis S.Y.Hu
Ilex gabinetensis Cuatrec.
Ilex gabrielleana Loizeau & Spichiger
Ilex gagnepainiana Tardieu
Ilex gale Triana & Planch.
Ilex gansuensis D.Y.Hong
Ilex gardneriana Wight
Ilex geniculata Maxim.
Ilex georgei H.F.Comber
Ilex glabella Steyerm.
Ilex glabra (L.) A.Gray Plant FAQs: Ilex Glabra Shamrock
Ilex glaucophylla Steyerm.
Ilex glazioviana Loes.
Ilex gleasoniana Steyerm.
Ilex glomerata King
Ilex godajam Colebr. ex Hook.f.
Ilex goshiensis Hayata
Ilex gotardensis Loizeau & Spichiger
Ilex goudotii Loes.
Ilex graciliflora Champ. ex Benth.
Ilex grandiflora Ridl.
Ilex gransabanensis Steyerm.
Ilex guaiquinimae Steyerm.
Ilex guangnanensis C.J.Tseng & Y.R.Li
Ilex guangxica Doweld
Ilex guanwuensis S.S.Ying
Ilex guaramacalensis Cuello & Aymard
Ilex guayusa Loes.
Ilex guerreroii Merr. ex Elmer
Ilex guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze
Ilex guizhouensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex gundlachiana Loes.
Ilex haberi (Lundell) W.J.Hahn
Ilex hahnii Doweld
Ilex hainanensis Merr.
Ilex hammelii Al.Rodr.
Ilex hanceana Maxim.
Ilex harmandiana Pierre
Ilex harrisii Loes.
Ilex havilandii Loes.
Ilex hayatana Loes.
Ilex hemiepiphytica W.J.Hahn
Ilex hengchunensis S.S.Ying
Ilex hicksii I.M.Turner
Ilex hippocrateoides Kunth
Ilex hirsuta C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex holstii Steyerm.
Ilex honbaensis Tardieu
Ilex hondurensis Standl.
Ilex hongiaoensis Tagane
Ilex hookeri King
Ilex huachamacariana Edwin
Ilex huana C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex huberi J.R.Grande
Ilex hylonoma Hu & Tang
Ilex hypaneura Loes.
Ilex hypoglauca (Miq.) Loes.
Ilex ignicola Steyerm.
Ilex ijuensis S.Andrews
Ilex illustris Ridl.
Ilex impressa Ekman & Loes.
Ilex integerrima Reissek
Ilex integra Thunb.
Ilex intermedia Loes.
Ilex intricata Hook.f.
Ilex jacobsii S.Andrews
Ilex jamaicana Proctor
Ilex jaramillana Cuatrec.
Ilex jauaensis Steyerm.
Ilex jelskii Zahlbr.
Ilex jenmanii Loes.
Ilex jiangmenensis Lei Jiang & K.W.Xu
Ilex jiaolingensis C.J.Tseng & H.H.Liu
Ilex jingxiensis Y.F.Huang & M.X.Lai
Ilex jinyunensis Z.M.Tan
Ilex jiuwanshanensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex julianii Edwin
Ilex juttana Loizeau & Spichiger
Ilex karstenii Loes.
Ilex karuaiana Steyerm.
Ilex kaushue S.Y.Hu
Ilex kelabitana S.Andrews
Ilex kelsallii Ridl.
Ilex kengii S.Y.Hu
Ilex keranjiensis S.Andrews
Ilex ketambensis T.R.Dudley
Ilex khasiana Purkay.
Ilex kiangsiensis (S.Y.Hu) C.J.Tseng & B.W.Liu
Ilex kinabaluensis S.Andrews
Ilex kingiana Cockerell
Ilex × kiusiana Hatus.
Ilex knucklesensis Philcox
Ilex kobuskiana S.Y.Hu
Ilex krugiana Loes.
Ilex kunmingensis H.W.Li ex Y.R.Li
Ilex kusanoi Hayata
Ilex kwangtungensis Merr.
Ilex laevigata A.Gray
Ilex lamprophylla Standl.
Ilex lancilimba Merr.
Ilex lasseri Edwin
Ilex latifolia Thunb.
Ilex latifrons Chun
Ilex laureola Triana
Ilex laurina Kunth
Ilex leucoclada (Maxim.) Makino
Ilex liana S.Y.Hu
Ilex liangii S.Y.Hu
Ilex liebmannii Standl.
Ilex liesneri Steyerm.
Ilex lihuaiensis T.R.Dudley
Ilex lilianeae Loizeau & Spichiger
Ilex linii C.J.Tseng
Ilex litseifolia Hu & Tang
Ilex liukiuensis Loes.
Ilex loeseneri Tardieu
Ilex lohfauensis Merr.
Ilex longecaudata H.F.Comber
Ilex longipes Chapm. ex Trel.
Ilex longipetiolata Loes.
Ilex longipilosa Steyerm.
Ilex longzhouensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex lonicerifolia Hayata
Ilex loranthoides Mart. ex Reissek
Ilex loretoica Loes.
Ilex ludianensis S.C.Huang ex Y.R.Li
Ilex lundii Warm.
Ilex maasiana Loizeau & Spichiger
Ilex macarenensis Cuatrec.
Ilex macfadyenii (Walp.) Rehder
Ilex machilifolia H.W.Li ex Y.R.Li
Ilex maclurei Merr.
Ilex macrocarpa Oliv.
Ilex macropoda Miq.
Ilex macrostigma C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex magnifolia Cuatrec.
Ilex magnifructa Edwin
Ilex maguirei Wurdack
Ilex maigualidensis J.R.Grande
Ilex maingayi Hook.f.
Ilex × makinoi H.Hara
Ilex malabarica Bedd.
Ilex malaccensis Loes.
Ilex mandonii Loes.
Ilex manitzii P.A.González
Ilex manneiensis S.Y.Hu
Ilex marahuacae Steyerm.
Ilex marginata Edwin
Ilex martiniana D.Don
Ilex matanoana Makino
Ilex maxima W.J.Hahn
Ilex maximowicziana Loes.
Ilex medogensis Y.R.Li
Ilex megalophylla Edwin ex T.R.Dudley
Ilex megaphylla S.Andrews
Ilex melanophylla H.T.Chang
Ilex memecylifolia Champ. ex Benth.
Ilex mertensii Maxim.
Ilex mesilauensis S.Andrews
Ilex metabaptista Loes.
Ilex micrantha Triana & Planch.
Ilex micrococca Maxim.
Ilex microdonta Reissek
Ilex microphylla Hook.
Ilex microsticta Loes.
Ilex microwrightioides Loes.
Ilex miguensis S.Y.Hu
Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk.
Ilex montana Torr. & A.Gray
Ilex montebellensis Lozada-Pérez
Ilex mucronata (L.) M.Powell, Savol. & S.Andrews
Ilex mucronulata Cuatrec.
Ilex mucugensis Groppo
Ilex myricoides Kunth
Ilex myrtifolia Walter
Ilex myrtillus Ridl.
Ilex nanchuanensis Z.M.Tan
Ilex nanningensis Hand.-Mazz.
Ilex nayana Cuatrec.
Ilex neblinensis Edwin
Ilex nemorosa Rizzini
Ilex neomamillata I.M.Turner
Ilex neoreticulata I.M.Turner
Ilex nervosa Triana
Ilex nervulosa (Loes.) S.Andrews
Ilex nigropunctata Miers
Ilex ningdeensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex nipponica Makino
Ilex nitida (Vahl) Maxim.
Ilex nitidissima C.J.Tseng
Ilex nothofagifolia Kingdon-Ward
Ilex nothophoeboides I.M.Turner
Ilex nubicola C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex nuculicava S.Y.Hu
Ilex nummularia Reissek
Ilex obcordata Sw.
Ilex obtusata Triana & Planch.
Ilex occulta C.J.Tseng
Ilex odorata Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
Ilex oligodonta Merr. & Chun
Ilex oligoneura Loes.
Ilex oliveriana Loes.
Ilex omeiensis Hu & Tang
Ilex opaca Aiton Plant FAQs: Ilex Opaca Satyr Hill
Ilex organensis Loes.
Ilex ovalifolia G.Mey.
Ilex ovalis (Ruiz & Pav.) Loes.
Ilex × owariensis Hatus. & M.Kobay.
Ilex pachyphylla Merr.
Ilex pallida Standl.
Ilex paltorioides Reissek
Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.
Ilex paruensis Steyerm.
Ilex parvifructa Edwin
Ilex patens Ridl.
Ilex pauciflora Ridl.
Ilex paucinervia Merr.
Ilex paujiensis Steyerm.
Ilex pedunculosa Miq. Plant FAQs: Ilex Pedunculosa – Pedunculate Holly
Ilex peiradena S.Y.Hu
Ilex pentagona S.K.Chen, Y.X.Feng & C.F.Liang
Ilex perado Aiton
Ilex perlata C.Chen & S.C.Huang ex Y.R.Li
Ilex permicrophylla Merr.
Ilex pernervata Cuatrec.
Ilex pernyi Franch.
Ilex perryana S.Y.Hu
Ilex petiolaris Benth.
Ilex phanganensis Pruesapan & Welzen
Ilex phillyreifolia Reissek
Ilex pingheensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex pingnanensis S.Y.Hu
Ilex poiensis S.Andrews
Ilex poilanei Tardieu
Ilex polita Steyerm.
Ilex polypyrena C.J.Tseng & B.W.Liu
Ilex praetermissa Kiew
Ilex pringlei Standl.
Ilex promecophylla S.Andrews
Ilex prostrata Groppo
Ilex psammophila Mart. ex Reissek
Ilex pseudo-odorata Loes.
Ilex pseudobuxus Reissek
Ilex pseudoebenacea Loes.
Ilex pseudomachilifolia C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex pseudothea Reissek
Ilex pseudotheezans Loes.
Ilex pseudoumbelliformis T.R.Dudley
Ilex pseudovaccinium Reissek ex Maxim.
Ilex ptariana Steyerm.
Ilex pubescens Hook. & Arn.
Ilex pubifructa Pruesapan, S.Andrews & D.A.Simpson
Ilex pubigera (C.Y.Wu ex Y.R.Li) S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex pubilimba Merr. & Chun
Ilex pustulosa Triana & Planch.
Ilex pyrifolia C.J.Tseng
Ilex qianlingshanensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex qingyuanensis C.Z.Zheng
Ilex quercetorum I.M.Johnst.
Ilex quitensis (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Schult.) Loes.
Ilex ramonensis Standl.
Ilex rarasanensis Sasaki
Ilex renae S.Andrews
Ilex retusa Klotzsch ex Reissek
Ilex retusifolia S.Y.Hu
Ilex revoluta Stapf
Ilex rimbachii Standl.
Ilex robusta C.J.Tseng
Ilex robustinervosa C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex rotunda Thunb.
Ilex rubra S.Watson
Ilex rubrinervia Tardieu
Ilex rubroantheriana S.S.Ying
Ilex rugosa F.Schmidt
Ilex rupicola Kunth
Ilex salicina Hand.-Mazz.
Ilex sanqingshanensis W.B.Liao, Q.Fan & S.Shi
Ilex sapiiformis Reissek
Ilex sapotifolia Reissek
Ilex savannarum Wurdack
Ilex saxicola C.J.Tseng & H.H.Liu
Ilex schwackeana Loes.
Ilex sclerophylla Hook.f.
Ilex sclerophylloides Loes.
Ilex scopulorum Kunth
Ilex scutiiformis Reissek
Ilex sebertii Pancher
Ilex serrata Thunb.
Ilex servinii E.Carranza
Ilex sessiliflora Triana & Planch.
Ilex sessilifructa Edwin
Ilex shennongjiaensis T.R.Dudley & S.C.Sun
Ilex shimeica K.F.Kwok
Ilex shukunii Y.Yang & H.Peng
Ilex shweliensis H.F.Comber
Ilex sideroxyloides (Sw.) Griseb.
Ilex sikkimensis Kurz
Ilex sinica (Loes.) S.Y.Hu
Ilex sipapoana Edwin
Ilex socorroensis Brandegee
Ilex soderstromii Edwin
Ilex solida Edwin
Ilex spicata Blume
Ilex spinigera (Loes.) Loes.
Ilex spruceana Reissek
Ilex stellata W.J.Hahn
Ilex stenocarpa Pojark.
Ilex stenura (Merr. & L.M.Perry) D.M.Hicks
Ilex sterrophylla Merr. & Chun
Ilex stewardii S.Y.Hu
Ilex steyermarkii Edwin
Ilex strigillosa T.R.Dudley
Ilex suaveolens (H.Lév.) Loes.
Ilex subcaudata Merr. ex Elmer
Ilex subcordata Reissek
Ilex subcrenata S.Y.Hu
Ilex suber Loes.
Ilex subficoidea S.Y.Hu
Ilex sublongecaudata C.J.Tseng & S.Liu ex Y.R.Li
Ilex subodorata S.Y.Hu
Ilex subrotundifolia Steyerm.
Ilex subrugosa Loes.
Ilex subtriflora Griseb. ex Loes.
Ilex sugerokii Maxim.
Ilex suichangensis C.Z.Zheng
Ilex summa Steyerm.
Ilex suprema Cuatrec.
Ilex suzukii S.Y.Hu
Ilex synpyrena C.J.Tseng
Ilex syzygiophylla C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex szechwanensis Loes.
Ilex tadiandamolensis Kesh.Murthy, Yogan. & Vasud.Nair
Ilex tahanensis Kiew
Ilex tamii T.R.Dudley
Ilex tarapotina Loes.
Ilex tateana Steyerm.
Ilex taubertiana Loes.
Ilex tectonica W.J.Hahn
Ilex tenuis C.J.Tseng
Ilex tepuiana Steyerm. ex Edwin
Ilex teratopis Loes.
Ilex tetramera (Rehder) C.J.Tseng
Ilex theezans Mart.
Ilex thyrsiflora Klotzsch ex Reissek
Ilex tiricae Edwin
Ilex tonii Lundell
Ilex tonkinensis Pierre
Ilex toroidea D.M.Hicks
Ilex trachyphylla Loes.
Ilex trichocarpa H.W.Li ex Y.R.Li
Ilex trichothyrsa Loes.
Ilex triflora Blume
Ilex tsangii S.Y.Hu
Ilex tsiangiana C.J.Tseng
Ilex tsoi Merr. & Chun
Ilex tugitakayamensis Sasaki
Ilex tutcheri Merr.
Ilex uaramae Edwin
Ilex uleana Loes.
Ilex umbellata Klotzsch ex Reissek
Ilex umbellulata (Wall.) Loes.
Ilex uniflora Benth.
Ilex uraiensis Yamam.
Ilex urbaniana Loes.
Ilex urceolatus C.B.Shang, K.S.Tang & D.Q.Du
Ilex vacciniifolia Klotzsch ex Reissek
Ilex valenzuelana Alain
Ilex velutina Mart. ex Reissek
Ilex velutinulosa Cuatrec.
Ilex venezuelensis Steyerm.
Ilex venulosa Hook.f.
Ilex venusta H.Peng & W.B.Liao
Ilex verisimilis C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex verticillata (L.) A.Gray Plant FAQs: Winterberry – Ilex Verticillata
Ilex vesparum Steyerm.
Ilex victorinii Alain
Ilex vietnamensis T.R.Dudley
Ilex villosula Loes.
Ilex virgata Loes.
Ilex viridis Champ. ex Benth.
Ilex vitiensis A.Gray
Ilex volkensiana (Loes.) Kaneh. & Hatus.
Ilex vomitoria Aiton
Ilex vulcanicola Standl.
Ilex walkeri Wight & Gardner ex Thwaites
Ilex wallichii Hook.f.
Ilex walsinghamii R.A.Howard
Ilex × wandoensis C.F.Mill. & M.Kim
Ilex warburgii Loes.
Ilex wattii Loes.
Ilex wenchowensis S.Y.Hu
Ilex wenzelii Merr.
Ilex wightiana Wall. ex Wight
Ilex williamsii Standl.
Ilex wilsonii Loes.
Ilex wugongshanensis C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng
Ilex wuiana T.R.Dudley
Ilex wurdackiana Steyerm.
Ilex xiaojinensis Y.Q.Wang & P.Y.Chen
Ilex yangchunensis C.J.Tseng
Ilex yunnanensis Franch.
Ilex yurumanguinis Cuatrec.
Ilex yutajensis Wurdack
Ilex zeylanica (Hook.f.) Maxim.
Ilex zhejiangensis C.J.Tseng ex S.K.Chen & Y.X.Feng

What does a holly tree look like?

Absolutely! Holly trees are like living Christmas decorations year-round. Their leaves are the most defining feature for me – a deep, glossy green that shines even on cloudy days. The edges are the trickiest part, though. They’re serrated, but not in a gentle way. More like prickly little spikes that can definitely catch you by surprise if you’re not paying attention. Then come the berries! In the fall, these bright red pops of color start appearing all over the tree. They’re like tiny Christmas ornaments, but way more tempting to a hungry bird (or a curious kid like I used to be – don’t recommend tasting them though!).

What is the holly wood tree used for?

The holly tree might be festive, but its wood isn’t as common a sight as the decorated branches. From what I’ve seen, holly wood itself isn’t super popular for furniture these days. Maybe it’s a bit too tough to work with. But I have come across some cool things made from holly wood! Once, at a craft fair, I saw a stall selling beautiful chess pieces – all carved from different woods. The dark red ones were holly, and they had a really smooth, polished finish that felt nice in your hands. There were also these gorgeous little decorative boxes with inlaid holly wood – the light wood next to the darker holly looked really sharp. So, while holly furniture might not be the norm, it can definitely add a touch of unique beauty to some special pieces.

Are berries from a holly tree poisonous?

Absolutely! Those festive red berries might look tempting, especially to curious kids or a hungry bird, but let me tell you, they’re best left uneaten. I remember a friend of mine (let’s call him Mike) dared me to try one as a kid. Big mistake! They’re not poisonous enough to be life-threatening (thankfully!), but they definitely pack a punch. Mike and I both ended up with upset stomachs for the rest of the afternoon – not exactly a fun experience. So, while the holly tree itself is beautiful, admire the berries from afar. They’re a pretty reminder to keep things hands-off and enjoy some holiday cheer from a safe distance!

When to cut holly tree?

The best time to cut a holly tree depends on what you’re using it for. Here’s how I approach it:

For decorations: If you want some festive holly branches for the holidays, late fall or early winter is perfect. The berries are at their brightest red by then, and the weather’s usually cool enough that they’ll last a good while indoors. Just be sure to cut strategically so you don’t ruin the tree’s overall shape.
For shaping the tree: If your holly is getting a bit out of control, late winter to early spring is a good window. The tree’s still dormant, so it won’t stress as much from the pruning. Plus, any new growth it puts out after the cut will have plenty of warm weather to mature before winter hits.
Minor trims: Honestly, for small stuff like a broken branch or a pesky twig poking out where it shouldn’t, I don’t worry too much about the season. As long as it’s not freezing cold or the tree is actively flowering, a quick snip here or there won’t hurt it.

Can you cut off the top of a holly tree?

Cutting off the top of a holly tree, also known as topping, is something I would avoid if possible. Here’s why:

Weird growth: Holly trees have a thing called apical dominance, which basically means the top leader keeps the whole thing growing in a nice, pyramid-ish shape. If you chop that leader off, the tree gets confused. It might sprout a bunch of new branches from the cut point, making it look bushy and uneven instead of neat and pyramidal. Not exactly the look most people are going for.
Top-heavy trouble: Holly trees can get pretty tall. If you whack off the top, it can throw off the tree’s weight balance. Imagine a person standing on one leg – that’s kind of what you’re doing to the tree. It might become more susceptible to strong winds and even breaking.

There are better ways to control the height of a holly. You can selectively prune certain branches to encourage growth lower down, keeping the overall shape more natural. It might take a little more time and planning, but it will be better for the tree in the long run.

How fast do holly trees grow?

Holly trees are definitely not known for their lightning-fast growth. In my experience, they’re more on the slow and steady side. Most holly trees I’ve seen only grow about 6 to 12 inches a year. That means it might take a while for them to reach their full height, which can be anywhere from 15 to 50 feet depending on the variety. There is a faster-growing option, though. The Nellie Stevens holly is a superstar if you want a holly that puts on some serious size. Those can shoot up 2 to 3 feet a year, which is pretty impressive for a holly! But even the fast growers are marathon runners, not sprinters. So, if you’re planting a holly, be prepared to enjoy it for years to come as it matures into a beautiful part of your landscape.

How tall do holly trees grow?

As someone who’s spent a lot of time around these festive trees, holly height can be a bit of a surprise. They come in all shapes and sizes!

On one end, you’ve got the holly bushes. These guys are perfect for foundation plantings, staying compact at around 8 to 10 feet tall. Then there are your average holly trees, the ones you see lining streets or growing in parks. These can reach anywhere from 15 to 30 feet tall, giving you nice shade in the summer and a festive pop of color in the winter.

But holly trees can be real overachievers too. There are some varieties, like the American holly, that can shoot up to a whopping 50 feet tall! Those become majestic giants in a yard, perfect for providing privacy or a shady retreat on a hot day. Just remember, these height variations depend on the specific type of holly you have, so it’s always a good idea to check before planting one in your yard!

When to fertilize holly trees?

The best time to fertilize holly trees depends on giving them a little boost during their active growth phases. Here’s my experience:

Spring feast: Just as spring peeks around the corner and the holly starts putting out new growth, that’s a perfect time for a feeding. It gives the tree a nice dose of nutrients to fuel all that fresh leaf production. I usually fertilize in late winter or very early spring, before any major growth spurts.
Fall farewell: Another good time to fertilize is in the fall, after the summer heat has faded but before the first frost hits. This gives the holly a chance to build up its reserves for the winter ahead. Think of it like stocking up on pantry supplies before a long, cold season.

Some folks recommend a lighter feeding schedule, maybe three or four times a year, but I find the spring and fall approach works well for my holly trees. They always seem happy and healthy, with plenty of vibrant green leaves and those cheerful red berries come winter. Just remember, no matter when you fertilize, follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid overdoing it.

Why has my holly tree lost all its leaves?

That sounds like a sad sight! There are a couple reasons why your holly might have shed all its leaves. Let’s see if we can figure it out:

Winter Woes: Did we have a particularly harsh winter this year? Cold snaps and dry winds can definitely stress a holly tree, causing some leaf drop. Usually, the leaves will recover come spring, but if the damage was severe, it might take a while for the tree to fully bounce back.
Water Worries: All plants need a good drink, and hollies are no exception. If your holly has been underwatered, especially during a hot, dry spell, it might shed its leaves as a way to conserve moisture. Check the soil around the base of the tree – is it dry and dusty, or moist and cool? If it’s dry, give your holly a good soaking and see if it perks up.
Pesky Pests: Like all plants, hollies can be bugged by unwanted visitors. Some pests, like scale insects or leaf miners, can damage the leaves and cause them to fall off. Take a close look at the branches – do you see any crawling critters or unusual marks on the leaves? If so, you might need to treat the tree for insects.
Fungal Funk: Fungal diseases can also be a culprit for holly leaf loss. One common one is holly leaf blight, which can cause leaves to develop black spots and eventually fall off. If you suspect a fungal infection, there are fungicide sprays available that can help.

The best course of action depends on the reason for the leaf loss. If you can narrow it down based on the clues above, I can help you find some solutions to get your holly healthy again!

What is the best fertilizer for holly trees?

In my experience, the best fertilizer for holly trees depends on a few factors, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s what I consider when choosing fertilizer for my hollies:

Acidity is key: Hollies are acid-loving plants, so you want a fertilizer formulated for that. Look for something with a balanced NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and mentiones it’s suitable for acid-loving plants. Espoma Holly-Tone is a popular option, but there are others out there too.
Slow and steady wins the race: Holly trees are moderate feeders, so a slow-release fertilizer is ideal. This will provide a steady stream of nutrients throughout the growing season without overwhelming the tree. Organic options like composted manure or composted leaves are great choices for slow-release fertilization.
Spring and fall feeding: I find fertilizing in spring (late winter/early spring) and fall gives my hollies the boost they need. The spring feeding fuels new growth, and the fall feeding helps them build up reserves for winter.

Here’s a quick tip: Some folks like using coffee grounds around acid-loving plants like hollies. The grounds can add some acidity and nutrients to the soil, but be sure to use them in moderation – too much nitrogen from coffee grounds can be counterproductive.

Remember, always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, regardless of which brand you choose. Overdoing it with fertilizer can be just as harmful as not feeding your holly tree at all. With the right fertilizer and a little care, your holly should be happy and healthy for years to come!

How do you kill a holly tree?

While holly trees can be beautiful additions to a landscape, sometimes removing them becomes necessary. Here are a couple ways to tackle a holly tree, depending on your preference and the size of the tree:

The Grinding Method:

This method is best suited for smaller holly trees or large stumps left behind after cutting down a bigger one. You’ll need to rent a stump grinder, a powerful machine that essentially chews the wood and roots into chips.
It’s a relatively quick and mess-free way to eliminate the holly, but grinding can be expensive depending on rental rates and may require some upper body strength to maneuver the machine.

The Cutting and Chemical Method:

This method is effective for both larger and smaller holly trees. Here’s the process:
- Cut down the holly tree as close to the ground as possible using a chainsaw or axe.
- Once the tree is down, drill holes several inches deep and a few inches apart around the circumference of the stump.
- Apply a herbicide specifically formulated for brush control into the drilled holes and onto the freshly cut stump surface. Be sure to follow the safety instructions on the herbicide label closely!
This method requires some muscle for cutting and the proper safety gear, but it’s a more affordable option than grinding. However, keep in mind that complete elimination may take several herbicide applications as the tree slowly dies and decomposes.

Natural Methods (Less Reliable):

There are also natural methods often attempted to kill holly trees, but they are generally less reliable and take much longer than the above methods. These include:

Smothering the base of the tree with a tarp or thick layer of mulch to block sunlight for an extended period.
Girdling the trunk by removing a complete ring of bark around the circumference, which disrupts the flow of nutrients.

The Takeaway:

Killing a holly tree requires some effort, but with the right approach it can be done. For smaller trees, grinding might be the quickest solution. For larger trees, a combination of cutting and applying herbicide is effective. Remember to prioritize safety when using any equipment or chemicals.

Ecological Importance of Ilex

Ilex plants are not just beautiful; they play a crucial role in their ecosystems. The berries of holly plants are a significant food source for many bird species, such as robins and waxwings, especially during the winter months when food is scarce. Furthermore, the dense foliage provides shelter for various small mammals and birds, contributing to biodiversity.

In addition to supporting wildlife, Ilex species are beneficial in maintaining soil health. Their root systems help prevent soil erosion and promote water retention, making them valuable in sustainable landscaping practices.

Conclusion

The Aquifoliaceae family, particularly the Ilex genus, holds a special place in my heart as a plant lover. Its diverse species offer not just aesthetic appeal but also ecological benefits that support wildlife and enhance garden health. Whether you’re drawn to the festive nature of holly or its environmental contributions, I encourage you to explore and appreciate the beauty of Ilex in your own garden. Engaging with these plants not only enriches your gardening experience but also nurtures the ecosystems we depend on.