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Ilex aquifolium |
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 TreesPropagationPlanting |
Ilex
aquifolium is a narrow crowned evergreen tree growing
up to 20m in height. It will grow in most aspects except wet ground, but in deep shade
usually remains a shrub. Glossy dark green leaves are alternate
on the stems, 5-12cm long oval with sharp spines. Small white scented flowers male and
female on separate trees appear in May in open sites, when grown in deep shade it is
usually sterile. These turn into berries ripening red and remain on the tree throught the
winter, making them a good source of food for wildlife. Its wood is white and hard and is
used for carving and woodcuts.
Collect berries anytime throughout winter from trees, beware of leaves.The flesh is hard to remove, stratify in damp sand for a year and sow in second year. They can be pretreated but not always successful.
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Superstition said it was unlucky to cut a holly tree down it had the power to ward off evil.
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