Taxonomy
Ilex aquifolium | Holly | Cuileann
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Flowers: May – August; small waxy white
flowers
Fruits: Bright red berry-like drupes
Twigs & bark: Evergreen; twigs green/grey; bark grey and smooth
Habitat
Woodland, hedgerows, rocky ground, especially acidic soils; often an
undershrub in oak woodland
Life cycle
Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Not known
Use
Christmas decoration
Vegetative nature
Woody
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread and common, often planted
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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Further information
Native to western and southern europe. Formed an understory layer in ancient Irish oak woodlands. The tree is dioecious (male and female flowers found on separate trees). The berries and leaves a very famiiar sight around christmas time in wreaths and decoration. Widespread and common, often planted