Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 125 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000729203
Common Names
- English Holly
- Ilex aquifolium
- English-Leaf Holly
Synonyms
- Aquifolium croceum Raf. [unknown]
- Aquifolium ferox Mill. ex Raf. [unknown]
- Aquifolium heterophyllum Raf. [unknown]
- Aquifolium ilex Scop. [unknown]
- Aquifolium lanceolatum Raf. [unknown]
- Aquifolium planifolium Raf. [unknown]
- Aquifolium spinosum Lam. [unknown]
- Aquifolium undulatum Raf. [unknown]
- Aquifolium vulgare St.-Lag. [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium barcinonae Pau [unknown]
- Ilex balearica Desf. [unknown]
- Ilex camelliifolia Henry [unknown]
- Ilex chrysocarpa Wender. [unknown]
- Ilex ciliata hort. ex Koehne [unknown]
- Ilex citriocarpa Murr [unknown]
- Ilex crassifolia Aiton ex Steud. [unknown]
- Ilex echinata Mill. [unknown]
- Ilex ferox Ait. ex Steud. [unknown]
- Ilex fischeri hort. ex Carrière [unknown]
- Ilex nigricans Henry [unknown]
- Ilex sempervirens Salisb. [unknown]
- Ilex heterophylla G.Don [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium aureopicta (Loudon) Geerinck [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium frivaldskyana Loes. [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium heterophylla Aiton [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium crassifolia Aiton [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium recurva Aiton [unknown]
- Ilex aquifolium ferox Aiton [unknown]
Description
Ilex aquifolium (also called Common Holly, among many other common names) is a species of holly native to Europe and western Asia. It has small, white flowers and a basal rosette of leaves. It grows in moist, shady habitats such as rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests.
Uses & Benefits
Ilex aquifolium is often used as a groundcover in areas with full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be used to attract butterflies and bees to the garden. It is also used as a border or edging plant, as well as in rock gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ilex aquifolium has small white flowers with yellow anthers. The seeds are small, rounded and dark brown in colour. The seedlings are small, with light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ilex aquifolium is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done through seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring and cuttings should be taken in the summer.
Where to Find Ilex aquifolium
Ilex aquifolium is native to Europe, particularly in the British Isles and western Europe.
Ilex aquifolium FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ilex aquifolium?
Ilex aquifolium
What is the common name of Ilex aquifolium?
English Holly
What is the natural habitat of Ilex aquifolium?
Woodlands, hedgerows and scrub
Species in the Ilex genus
Species in the Aquifoliaceae family
Ilex mucugensis,
Ilex stenura,
Ilex toroidea,
Ilex guaramacalensis,
Ilex abscondita,
Ilex acutidenticulata,
Ilex affinis,
Ilex altiplana,
Ilex amara,
Ilex amazonensis,
Ilex annamensis,
Ilex anomala,
Ilex antonii,
Ilex apicidens,
Ilex apiensis,
Ilex aquifolium,
Ilex aracamuniana,
Ilex archeri,
Ilex ardisiaefrons,
Ilex arimensis,
Ilex arnhemensis,
Ilex atabapoensis,
Ilex attenuata,
Ilex auricula,
Ilex azuensis,
Ilex baasiana,
Ilex barahonica,
Ilex belizensis,
Ilex berteroi,
Ilex blancheana,
Ilex blanchetii,
Ilex brandegeeana,
Ilex brasiliensis,
Ilex brevipedicellata,
Ilex bullata,
Ilex canariensis,
Ilex casiquiarensis,
Ilex cassine,
Ilex celebensis,
Ilex chevalieri,
Ilex chinensis,
Ilex chiriquensis,
Ilex ciliolata,
Ilex clementis,
Ilex clethriflora,
Ilex cognata,
Ilex colchica,
Ilex condorensis,
Ilex congesta,
Ilex cookii,