Seasonal Wild Flowers

Holly

Ilex aquifolium

Aquifoliaceae

April to August

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Holly

Holly is found in hedges, deciduous woodland, scrub land

and on rocky ledges.

It is widely planted in gardens, parks and public amenity

areas.

It is a native, evergreen shrub or small tree growing up

to 15m.

The flowers (7-12mm across) are relatively inconspicuous

because they are hidden by the leaves.

Flowers are 4-merous.

They have 4 white (sometimes tinged purple) petals.

There are 4 stamens with cream anthers.

and a 4-part ovary.

Leaves are dark-green and prickly.

Holly berries are orange/red and visible from September

onwards.

Previous page: Hoary Cress
Next page: Honesty

Holly flower cluster

4-merous flower

Close-up of flowers, 4 stamens, ovules

Close-up of anther and 4-lobed stigma

Developing berries - May

Holly berries - 4 sections

Leaves

Holly tree n November, Golden Cap, Dorset

Holly berries