American Holly, Ilex opaca, is one of the plants we associate with the winter holidays but especially Christmas here on Cape Cod. Easily recognized by its prickly, waxy green leaves and bright red berries it is a native plant and one of the first seen by the Pilgrims when they landed in New England in the 1600s. It reminded them of their beloved English holly, which was used for Christmas decorations and celebrations even then.

Here are some fun facts about American holly.

• It is a dioecious plant, meaning it has separate male and female flowers. If you grow holly you know you need a male and female plant in order to have berries. Only the female produces berries.
• Holly was not named for being holy but for being prickly!
• It is a maritime forest and coastal zone tree, not found in the drier parts of our country.
• Holly is an evergreen, staying green all year.
• Holly berries are a favorite and important food source to birds each winter.

Happy Holly-days everyone! May the peace and the joy of the season be with you all.