Ilex aquifolium, English holly
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Ilex aquifolium

English holly

Aquifoliaceae

Western and southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height15-50 feet (4.5-15 m)
Width15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A broadleaf evergreen tree reaching 15-50 feet (4.5-15 m) tall and 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) wide at maturity, with a dense, pyramidal form when young that becomes more open and irregular with age. Growth rate is moderate, adding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year in favorable conditions. Leaves are alternate, ovate to oblong, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide, with wavy margins bearing large, stiff, sharp spines. Foliage on upper branches and older wood often has entire (non-spiny) margins. Leaf surface is glossy dark green; undersides are lighter green. Dioecious: male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Small white to greenish-white flowers appear in axillary clusters in May to June, each approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) across. Female plants produce globose red drupes approximately 0.25-0.3 inches (6-8 mm) in diameter, ripening in fall and persisting through winter when a male pollinator is within 30-50 feet (9-15 m). Bark is smooth and gray on young stems, becoming rougher with age. Shade-tolerant and capable of establishing under existing canopies. Listed as invasive in the Pacific Northwest, where bird-dispersed seeds allow it to colonize native forests and displace understory species. Hardy to approximately 0°F (-18°C). Susceptible to holly leaf miner and scale insects.

Native Range

Native to western and southern Europe from Norway and the British Isles south through the Mediterranean region, and east into western Asia including Turkey. Also native to portions of northwestern Africa. Found in mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands, hedgerows, rocky hillsides, and forest understories from sea level to approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 m) elevation. Naturalized and considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest of North America.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen tree, formal hedge, or screening plant at 4-8 foot (1.2-2.4 m) spacing. Tolerates urban pollution, coastal salt spray, and heavy shade. In the Pacific Northwest, consider planting male cultivars only or sterile alternatives to prevent invasive spread into native forests through bird-dispersed berries. Cut branches with berries are used for seasonal decoration.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy dark green evergreen leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long with prominently wavy margins and large, stiff, sharp spines. Leaves are alternately arranged, distinguishing it from opposite-leaved evergreens. Upper canopy leaves on mature trees often have smooth, non-spiny margins. Female plants produce bright red berries approximately 0.25-0.3 inches (6-8 mm) in diameter that persist through winter. Bark is smooth and gray. Distinguished from Ilex x meserveae by the lack of blue-green foliage coloring and from Ilex opaca (American holly) by glossier leaves and more prominent marginal spines.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
green white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Small white to greenish-white flowers appear in May to June in axillary clusters on the previous year's growth. Individual flowers are approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) across with four petals. Male flowers have four stamens; female flowers have a prominent green pistil. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Flowers are fragrant at close range and attract bees. On female plants, pollinated flowers develop into red berries ripening by October.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to greenish-white

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green upper surface, lighter green underside

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tolerates a wide range of soil types from acid to slightly alkaline, provided drainage is adequate. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought but may drop interior leaves during prolonged dry periods exceeding 3-4 weeks. Mulch root zone with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material. Holly leaf miner (Phytomyza ilicis) causes serpentine mines in leaves; cosmetic damage only. Scale insects may colonize stems in sheltered locations; treat with horticultural oil in late winter. In the Pacific Northwest, this species self-seeds prolifically via bird-dispersed berries; monitor for and remove seedlings in natural areas to prevent spread into native habitats. Both male and female plants are needed for berry production; one male within 30-50 feet (9-15 m) can pollinate multiple females.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Tolerates heavy shearing for formal hedging; shape in mid-summer after the spring growth flush has hardened. Can be rejuvenated by cutting back hard to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in late winter; regrowth from latent buds emerges within one growing season. Remove lower branches as desired to develop a tree form. Use caution when handling due to sharp leaf spines; wear heavy gloves when pruning.

Pruning Schedule

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wintersummer

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans