by Cathie Lea

Created on: November 21, 2007

Monthly Tree Review - American Holly

December brings a time of traditions. Families and friends gather to celebrate the holidays. There is much rejoicing. And there is much decorating!

Fresh magnolia, holly and ivy are used in abundance, along with spruce, pine, boxwood and other boughs of green. The heady scent of fresh-cut greens fills the air and signifies the arrival of the holiday season.

Many of these plants are deeply rooted in tradition. The holly, in particular, has some interesting stories of significance. Dating as far back as the Druids, holly has been a plant of many legends. Under Pagan religions, holly was placed about the home to provide shelter for the fairies of the forests. Holly was also used to bring good fortune, and to protect homes from evil spirits and goblins. And in Christianity, the red of the berries came to signify the blood of Christ.

Throughout history, holly has become a solid tradition and a Christmas symbol. It is found even in carols, such as The Holly and the Ivy and Deck the Halls (With Boughs of Holly). And it is present to some degree in most every home decorated for the holidays.

The true traditional Christmas holly is the English holly. This tree, however, grows in Europe and is not native in our climate. Our North American Christmas holly is the American holly, Ilex opaca. This holly is very similar to the English holly in shape and is used in our area for holiday decorations.

The American holly is hardy in zones 5 - 8. It seems to be more prevalent in the southeast, as it prefers a humid climate.

This lovely holly is a small, evergreen tree. The smooth bark is a handsome brownish-gray in color. The tree grows in a tight pyramidal form, branching to the ground. As it matures, the branch system opens up a bit, but the tree remains full. In the upper south, these trees reach 20' to 30' in height and 15' to 20' in width.

American holly is dioecious, meaning there are male plants and female plants. And both are required for berries. Females produce berries. Males do not. One male is needed to insure good berry production for every 3 to 6 female trees. This means if there is a male in your neighborhood, you likely will not need one in your yard.

Late spring brings tiny, fragrant, white blossoms to the American holly. Male trees bloom in clusters of 3 or more. Female trees have solitary blooms. Small, green berries follow, and they begin to turn red in September or October. The color of the berries intensifies until it reaches

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