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How do I identify a holly tree?
Holly Identification The best way to identify holly trees and bushes is by looking at the leaves and berries. Individual species of hollies have distinctive glossy leaves with wavy margins and jaggy spines, small blunt points, or smooth edges.
What is special about a holly tree?
The Druids regarded holly as a symbol of fertility and eternal life, thought to have magical powers. Today, Christians have adopted the holly tree as a symbol for Christmas. The sharp leaves are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ, while the berries represent his blood.
What do holly bushes look like?
Habit: These evergreen trees or shrubs range from 15 to 80 feet tall and 8 to 25 feet wide, and are upright or pyramidal in structure. Foliage and berries: Thick leathery leaves are glossy, 2 to 4 inches long, oval, with spiny or spineless margins, and come in colors of green, blue-green, or variegated.
Are hollies evergreens?
Because of their evergreen nature, ease of pruning, and generally quick growth rate, hollies are the perfect plants for screening and hedging in the garden. If you are imagining a large hedge, consider I. × aquipernyi since it reaches between 20 and 25 feet at maturity.
What type of tree is a holly?
It is a genus of small, evergreen trees with smooth, glabrous, or pubescent branchlets. The plants are generally slow-growing with some species growing to 25 m (82 ft) tall. The type species is the European holly Ilex aquifolium described by Linnaeus.
How big does a holly tree grow?
The American holly grows to a height of 40–50′ and a spread of 18–40′ at maturity.
Are holly tree roots invasive?
The root system is a taproot. This means holly bushes have one large root that grows straight down and then smaller, less hearty roots that spread out. This type of root system can be invasive. The holly bush is a bit complex, but it is very possible to have a good planting experience.
Are holly trees fast growing?
What is the Fastest Growing Holly? The fastest growing holly tree is the Nellie Stevens holly. As mentioned, the Nellie Stevens Holly grows about 3 feet per year. Compared to the American Holly and the Dragon Lady Holly, which both usually only grow a few inches each year, the Nellie Stevens holly grows very quickly.
Do birds nest in holly trees?
Many species of bird nest in holly, using its spiny leaves for protection. Blackbirds, fieldfares, redwings and thrushes eat the berries. Holly leaves are slow to break down, so hedgehogs, small mammals, toads and slow worms hibernate in the deep leaf litter that builds up beneath the trees.
Is holly a pagan?
Superstition, magic and myth surround holly’s deeply pagan roots. The Druids, Celts and Romans brought evergreens into their homes during winter. They believed their ability to keep their leaves was magical and assured the return of spring.
What does my name holly mean?
The name Holly is primarily a gender-neutral name of English origin that means Plant With Red Berries.
Are holly trees good?
American holly trees are terrific landscape plants. They are great for habitat, too. The dense foliage provides cover for small critters and the berries provide food for many birds. The most important note of American holly information is that these trees are dioecious, meaning these plants are either male or female.
Where is the best place to plant a holly tree?
The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. That being said, most hollies are very tolerant of less than ideal locations and will grow well in part shade or dry or swampy soil.
What are holly bushes good for?
Since most are evergreen and many have colorful berries, they are a boon to the snowy landscape, making them symbolic of winter and the Christmas season. Holly shrubs can be used hedges, foundation plantings, border screens, or even as specimen plants or rain garden plants.
What animals eat holly berries?
Deer, squirrels, and other small mammals will devour Ilex opaca (American holly) and the berries are an important source of food for as many as 18 species of birds. While there are a number of insect pests that may chew on hollies, that is unlikely at this time of year.
How quickly does holly grow?
It can take up to 20 -25 years for a Holly Shrub or Tree to reach maturity and full size. Slow growing can also be an advantage.
Can you eat holly tree berries?
Holly leaves, branches and berries are beautiful holiday decorations, but the berries are poisonous to people and pets. Swallowing holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness. Holly leaves might also cause symptoms if eaten but, because they are prickly, children usually leave them alone.
How long does a holly tree live?
The Holly plant does grow pretty slow, but can eventually attain a height of around 30-50 feet in a compact pyramid shape. If planted in the right conditions and decently cared for some hollies can live up to 100 years or longer.
