The American holly is a medium-sized evergreen tree with yellow-green, nearly matte to semi-glossy leaves that sharpen out into multiple spikes at the edges. Its sharp leaves and red berries make it very similar to its cousin, the European holly, but it differs in that European holly has glossy leaves and is significantly smaller. European holly has long been used as a symbol of the Christmas holiday and the wider winter holiday season, due to its vibrancy and symbolic resemblance to the Christian crown of thorns and blood of Christ, but American holly has also come to serve that purpose.
American holly can serve as both a food source and shelter for many species of birds and pollinating insects. The red berries are toxic to most mammals, including humans, but are readily available for birds such as the cedar waxwing to snack on, and are very well-liked by chickens. Humans have made herbal tonics and teas out of the leaves and watery sap.
FAMILY: Aquifoliaceae
NATIVE STATUS: Native
NATIVE RANGE: Southeastern United States
FOLIAGE: Evergreen
MAX. HEIGHT: 98 ft.
MAX. AGE: 200 yrs.
Stop #14 on the Congressional Tree Walk
