Is Ilex aquifolium male or female?
Despite the name, Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is actually a male variety of holly. Mainly grown for its striking variegated foliage as, unlike female varieties, it doesn’t produce berries. Ilex aquifolium, the holly, common holly, English holly, European holly, or occasionally Christmas holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.The leaves of other holly species (especially Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Ilex aquifolium) are used in traditional medicine by many Indigenous people around the world. But the berries are very poisonous and should not be ingested.Common holly is also known by its scientific name Ilex aquifolium. Other common names include English holly, Christmas holly, inkberry, winterberry, and European holly.
How fast does Ilex aquifolium grow?
A much-loved evergreen with glossy, spiny leaves. In winter, female trees produce bright-red berries. Mature height: up to 15m. Growth rate: 10-15cm per year. Caring for holly plants is generally easy as long as you understand the conditions in which they grow best. These handsome and varied plants range in height from upright trees of 60 feet to creeping plants 12 inches tall suitable for rock gardens. So there is a holly for almost every garden!The holly season sees autumn and winter berries that are perfect for your Christmas wreath, and heights vary from 60cm to 25m. Most are easy to grow in sun or half-shade and on average garden soil.Are the leaves and roots of holly poisonous? The entire plant is poisonous. Saponins, polyphenols, alkaloids (such as ilicin), steroids, cyanogens and methylxanthines (such as theobromine) are potentially toxic substances in this plant.Unlike mistletoe, holly is not a parasitic plant; it grows independently. Some people mistakenly confuse holly with mistletoe due to their similar role in holiday traditions and their prevalence during the same season, but they are botanically different species.
What is Ilex aquifolium?
Common Holly, European Holly, English Holly Ilex aquifolium is a beautiful evergreen whose berries and leaves have long been used to produce attractive Christmas decorations. The English Holly is a classic evergreen tree that produces thick, waxy leaves with lobed, spiked margins. Holly – specifically the European holly, Ilex aquifolium – is commonly referenced at Christmas time, and is often referred to by the name Christ’s thorn.They linked it to peace, goodwill, and safety from evil spirits and bad fortune. People planted holly near their homes to guard against dark forces. Holly’s natural ability to resist lightning strikes created a connection to thunder gods – the Celtic Taranis and Norse Thor.While the Oak tree controlled the light half of the year, the Holly controlled the dark winter months. Holly was associated with the Celtic and Norse gods of thunder since it has the same ability as Oak to resist lightning, with the thorns on the leaves acting as conductors.Holly is traditionally associated with protection, magic, strength and purification. The name of the holly derives from the word ‘holy’ due to the belief that its red berries were reflective of Christ’s blood. Hence, its connection to Christmas.Holly was sacred to the Druids, who believed it offered protection from evil spirits and lightning. It was often brought indoors during winter as a symbol of life and protection when other plants were dormant.