December Tree of the Month-American Holly

Can there be a more festive tree for the holiday season than the holly? Holly has been the stuff of legends and lore since Roman, druid, and pagan times. The red berries against the dark, evergreen leaves hold much pre-christen symbolism in numerous cultures such as the Celts, Norse, and other European cultures. Christmas’s traditional red and green color scheme owes its origin to the holly. Our native American holly tree, Ilex opaca, was used by the Native Americans medicinally, although the fruit is considered poisonous to humans.

Holly was planted near homes to protect them from lightning in the ole days. Still, superstition aside, rumor has it that science has now proven that the spines on holly leaves act as miniature lightning conductors and protect the tree and nearby objects from lightning strikes. Hmmm perhaps the volunteer holly I let grow next to my house wasn’t such a bad idea after all?

Hollies can grow 15-30′ high or more, with a pyramidal shape. Holly bark is beautifully smooth except for ‘wrinkles’ around the branches. It will tolerate some shade but grows denser in full sun where, provided there is a nearby male to pollinate, the female fruit is better. Hollies tolerate most soil conditions, but If your soil is too alkaline, your holly will suffer from Chlorosis, where the leaves are more yellow than green. Hollies do not like wet feet, so double-check the drainage where you intend to plant one.

The tiny flowers are considered insignificant, but by late summer, the green berries wear a red blush, then turn bright red in fall-just in time for holiday decorating!

What I love about this plant;

-The history and legends surrounding it.

-The evergreen leaves and winter interest.

-The showy fruit which is great for birds AND your holiday décor!

-The beautiful bark.

-The pyramidal shape that’s great for hedges and screens.

-It’s a native!

What’s not so great.

-Hollies are prone to Chlorosis, so check your soil type. Iron deficiency is the usual cause since the higher PH make it difficult for the tree to absorb iron. Iron sulfate or a good fertilizer geared to acid-loving plants will help. Mulching with compost is always a great idea.

-Even though hollies are considered evergreen, it’s normal for the older leaves to occasionally drop, Due to the spiny edges, they can be a bear to clean up-wear good gloves.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer. Additional photos graciously provided by Sandra Woolsey of Posh Pots and The Little Garden Company.

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com, All rights reserved.