The Hollies
What are they?
The hollies are a variable group of shrubs or small to medium-sized trees. Everyone will be familiar with the classic holly of Christmas cards - a tree with prickly, evergreen leaves and red berries. However, this is a variable family and holly berries may be red or black, while the plant itself may be either evergreen or deciduous, depending on species.
Where are they found?
These are generally plants of woodland or shady swamplands and marsh edge.
Identification
American Holly is readily identifiable at any time of year by its prickly leaves. Other species are not so straight foward but, in fact, their very 'plain-ness' can be a good way to recognize them! Plants are most readily identified when in fruit in fall or early winter.
American Holly Ilex opaca
A widespread and plentiful large shrub or small to medium-sized tree, usually found growing as an understorey species in most woodland areas Less common and often absent from the drier woodland of the Pine Barrens. Flowers May to June. An easily recognised tree with its classic, prickly, evergreen leaves and red berries in fall and winter. Bark with horizontal ridges, otherwise smooth and uncracked.
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Japanese Holly Ilex crenata
Introduced from Eastern Asia. A popular garden shrub or small tree which may occasionally be found as a relic of cultivation. Flowers May to June. Much smaller-leaved than the native American Holly and perhaps more likely to be mistaken for Box than a holly.
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Inkberry Ilex glabra
A medium-sized shrub of woodland and woodland edge in damp, often swampy ground. Flowers May to June. The six-petalled flowers are distinctive.
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Common Winterberry Ilex verticillata
Swampy and damp ground in woodland and shady hedgelines. Flowers June to July. Can be spectacular in fruit but for the rest of the year, an easily overlooked large bush which can be mistaken for one of the cherries.
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Smooth Winterberry Ilex laevigata
Less common than Common Winterberry, found in wooded swamps in the north of the county. Flowers late May to June. Leaves shiny and smooth with hairs limited to the veins beneath. Leaves more regularly toothed and berries carried on longer stalks.
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