Ilex aquifolium L. Common Holly or English Holly
Evergreen tree, native to west Asia and Europe, including Britain, much planted throughout Europe and parts of N. America for shelter and ornament. The wood is hard and fine-grained, so used in detailed work such as turnery, marquetry, engraving and making printing blocks. The bright red berries are well known in Europe as traditional Christmas decorations. Height to 25m (80ft). Flowers are about 0.8cm (1/3 in) across, ripening to 4-seeded berry also 0.8cm (1/3in) in November. Leaves are distinctive: glossy, wavy and sharply spiney, though may be almost spineless on old trees. Bark is smooth grey with some dark marks. People often carve names and initials on old holly trunks. Naturally variable and many cultivated varieties have also been produced. Z6.