9 Common Species of Holly
Holly trees make a glorious addition to any garden, and not just over the festive season! With their prickly leaves, glossy sheen, and striking red berries, what’s not to love about a Holly? Hollys come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so we’ve put together this list of the 9 common species you simply need to know about.
Yaupon is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to North America. Leaves and stems of this plant were widely used by Native Americans for making ritual drinks that would induce cleansing of the body through vomiting, hence the Latin name Ilex vomitoria.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a species native to the eastern United States. Inkberry is valued for its flavorful floral blossoms which are used as commercial ingredients in honey. Its leaves can be turned into a tea which is popular in East Asia.
Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Japanese holly is a flowering plant, and its flowers transition into berries during the summer season. This plant is popularly planted as an ornamental shrub and can be grown as a Bonsai tree.
Ilex opaca, commonly known as American holly, is a medium-sized evergreen tree, commonly found in southeastern areas of North America as an understory tree in humid forests. Its bright red fruits are poisonous to humans but are a very important source of food for numerous species of birds.
Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a berry species commonly grown in eastern gardens within the United States. Common winterberry is valued for its ability to grow in temperate climates and the colors it provides as an ornamental plant. The Common winterberry is also called Michigan holly.
Mountain holly (Ilex mucronata) is a deciduous shrub related to other forms of holly. It serves as a host for Columbia silkmoth caterpillars. Grows around swamps and bogs in eastern North America. Iconic red berries appear in late summer or early fall and attract birds.
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.
Kurogane holly (Ilex rotunda) is one of the most attractive hollies and is an evergreen that will grow to 50 feet tall. Native to Japan, it has been growing in the United States for some 200 years. It blooms in April with bright red berries ripening in October to December, offering a stunning display for winter.
Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub native to China and Korea. The Chinese holly is often grown ornamentally in gardens and is considered easy to grow and maintain. The Chinese holly bears fruits that are thought to be superior to other holly species.