The Holly Family (Aquifoliaceae)
	Holly Ilex aquifolium	Holly is an evergreen small tree or shrub. It is easily recognised by its shiny prickly leaves. It is the only British member of its family. The red berries of Holly are eaten by a variety of birds, including redwings and fieldfares, especially during hard winters. In good light conditions, Holly will grow in a conical shape.
	Habitat	Many different soils, wherever birds have dropped the seeds. Along streams, on mountainsides, roadsides, hedgerows and in woods. One of the few shrub species able to grow in the dense shade of mature Oak woodland.
	Special features	The leaves are glossy and dark green above and paler underneath.
		The Holly tree has evolved spiky leaves on the lower branches to dissuade grazing animals. The upper leaves are often spineless. The bark is pinkish with warts on older trees. The twigs are dark green.
	Reproduction	The flowers are small and tightly clustered. They are purple, but then turn white as they open. Male and female structures occur on different trees, so you get male or female Holly trees. Only female trees have berries, which will only ripen to a scarlet red colour if fertilised by a nearby male tree.
	Distribution	Seasonal Flowers appear in April and May. The flowers become fragrant in May to attract pollinators. The berries, containing the seed, ripen to bright red in September and unless eaten by birds, will hang on through the winter. Geographical Holly is common throughout most of Britain, but absent from most of the smaller islands.
	Folklore	Holly has traditionally been hung in the house to control demons, witches and house goblins, especially during the Christmas season.
		The red berries were thought to scare off bad spirits, in the same way as do the berries of Mountain Ash and Hawthorn.
	Fun Fact	If Holly is trying to grow where there is not much light, it will grow in a tall and straggly shape, in an effort to reach the light - and it will not produce fruit.