description Ilex aquifolium Overview
Ilex aquifolium, commonly called European holly or English holly, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to western, central, and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are often spiny on younger growth and bears red drupes on female plants when a compatible male plant is nearby. The fruits are toxic to humans but provide winter food for birds, while the dense foliage offers wildlife cover and is traditionally used in Christmas decorations.
insights Ranking position
Ilex aquifolium ranks #89 of 535 in the Shrub ranking, behind Chimonanthus praecox, ahead of Perovskia atriplicifolia.
help Ilex aquifolium FAQ
Is English holly considered an invasive species?
Yes, Ilex aquifolium is classified as invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon and Washington, where birds disperse its seeds into forest understories and it outcompetes native vegetation. It is also a recognized invasive species in parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Do you need both male and female English holly plants to get berries?
Yes, Ilex aquifolium is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female, and only female plants produce the characteristic red berries if a compatible male plant is nearby for pollination. The sex of a plant cannot be reliably determined until it reaches flowering age.
Is English holly toxic to humans and pets?
The red berries of Ilex aquifolium contain saponins and other compounds that are toxic to humans if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The leaves also contain theobromine, the same compound found in chocolate that is well known to be dangerous to dogs and cats.
How tall does European holly grow?
Ilex aquifolium can reach 30 to 50 feet tall in favorable conditions, developing over many decades into a substantial evergreen tree. In garden settings it is more commonly maintained as a shrub or formal hedge at heights of 8 to 15 feet.
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