English holly

Spiny red-berried shrub

English holly is a species of holly native to western and southern Europe, characterized by glossy, dark green leaves with spiny edges and bright red berries.

It is the holly most commonly associated with Christmas decorations in Britain and North America, prized for its dense evergreen foliage and festive appearance.

The plant grows as a shrub or small tree and tolerates shade well, making it popular in landscaping.

We planted English holly along the north side of the house.

Related

winter solstice · pagan traditions · folklore · prickles · thorny hedge · garden border · religious iconography · evergreen shrubs · winterberry · wreath · winter greenery · ornamental plant · wildlife habitat · bird habitat · bush · acidic soil · wassailing · crown of thorns

Opposites
leaf persistence

English hollymaple

Sap-yielding hardwood tree

beech · birch · ash · elm · larch

leaf texture and form

English hollylamb's ear

Soft-leaved ground cover

mullein · ferns · willow · ornamental grasses · hostas

seasonal symbolism

English hollyEaster lily

White trumpet flower

daffodil · cherry blossom · tulip · crocus · forsythia

Family

English, holly, England, Englishman, Englishwoman, hollies

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G