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Holly

Ilex Aquifolum 

Holly's association with Christmas has made it one of the most recognisable of our native plants. But how many of us really have sat down with it to get to know it?

Thoughts and observations

  • I have always found Holly an exciting plant, with its prickly leaves - it feels it has a hidden story to tell.

  • I always pick a few sprigs of holly each year for the Christmas wreath I put on my front door - For me it's really a signal that the festive season is on its way.

Fun facts

  • There is evidence to show that the leaves become spikey if there is a presence of herbivores. Often on the same tree, the lower leaves will be prickly and the top ones are less so. (1) 

  • Celts believed it to be steeped with protective properties due to its red berries and evergreen nature.  In Celtic Mythology, it was both a midwinter and midsummer plant, as this was when the Oak King and Hollly King would do battle, each reigning for half a year after their respective wins (2) 

Nutrition and medicinal uses

  • a hot compress of mashed holly leaves and bark can ease the pain of broken and dislocated bones - I've never tried it though! (1) 

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