Identifying Holly

Holly is dioecious, that is, there are separate male and female plants. The male plants will not produce berries. Though often seen as a shrub in gardens, holly can form a substantial tree (up to 20m tall) – leaves on such trees may be plain/unspined.

There are many variants of Holly, some with few spines. Some hollies are variegated (green and yellow, green and white) leaves, some with yellow berries etc – these cultivated forms may be hermaphrodite. Holly can tolerate shade.

Leaf

A simple leaf; the margin has spines, especially on young plants. The leaves are shiny/glossy and are evergreen. They can be quite stiff with an almost leathery texture. Dark green on top surface, paler on the lower surface.

Buds, Bark and Stem

The leaves are arranged alternately on stem. The bark is brown to silver-grey in colour.

Flowers and Fruits

Small white flowers form in late spring, with 4 petals. The male flowers have 4 yellow stamens. The female flowers (when pollinated) give rise to toxic bright red berries.

Identifying Holly

Leaf

Buds, Bark and Stem

Flowers and Fruits

Tree species