Another Name for Holly Trees

History

• Holly trees are mentioned through history, as far back as Celtic and Druid society. The druids are believed to have named the tree "holly," or “holegn," which is derived from the word “holy.” At that time, holly was regarded as a holy tree due to its association with the fall and winter solstice. It was later adopted by the Christian church as a holy symbol due to its strong resemblance to the crown of thorns worn by Christ at the time of crucifixion.

Genus and Species

• Holly belongs to a genus called Ilex, which is a part of the Aquifoliaceae plant family. There are more than 400 species in the Ilex genus, three of which are commonly called “holly,” including English, American and South American holly. South American holly goes by the botanical name Ilex paraguarensis. It is commonly known as Yerba mate. The leaves of this tree are harvested for making a lightly caffeinated, tea-like beverage by the same name.

English Holly

• English holly goes by the botanical name Ilex aquifolium, which translates to “needle-leaf.” The ends of the leaves on a holly tree are indeed sharp and needle-like. Early Christians in Northern Europe often referred to the plant as “Christ Thorn.” Due to the religious implication, leaves and berries from the holly tree are harvested and used for ornamental and decorative purposes during the Christmas season and on Palm Sunday.

American Holly

• American holly (Ilex opaca) is another species of holly tree. It is simply called holly, or American holy. It is a long-lived tree native to North America. When provided the proper cultural care and growth environment, American holly is capable of living upward of 100 years. At the time the colonists arrived in North America, American holly was adopted as a symbol of winter and the Christmas holiday due to the fact that it looks almost identical to English holly.