Holly, Ilex aquifoliumNumerous cultivars are available, including many leaf colour variants. Sources of seed and plants Holly is a native found throughout most of Britain up to a height of 550 metres but is less common in the uplands of Scotland. It occurs commonly in the shrub layer of broadleaved woodland and in hedges in association with ash, aspen, beech, dogwood, goat willow, hawthorn, hazel and Pedunculate oak. Seed should be collected from tall trees with straight stems and narrow crowns. Silviculture A shade enduring tree which is a regular constituent of natural Scots pine forest in Scotland and broadleaved woodland but can also form pure woods. Soil types Has a wide tolerance of soil types including clays, peat, shales, sands, gravel and chalk. Rate of growth and yield Holly is most at home in the wetter, milder west of Britain and on fertile soils can grown steadily to a height of 20 metres, retaining a straight stem and narrow crown. Elsewhere it commonly attains heights of 10 metres with stem diameters of 15 to 20 cms. Protection and resistance The Holly leaf miner Phytornyza ilicis can spoil the appearance of the leaves. Holly is damaged by late spring frosts but withstands drought. It will tolerate moderate atmospheric pollution and so can be planted in towns and industrial areas; but where pollution is severe it may lose some of its leaves in winter. It withstands regular cutting and grazing so is used for hedges in urban and rural areas. Establishing and tending Requires careful transplanting. Individual trees bear largely male or female flowers and the latter fruit at irregular intervals. Holly coppices strongly. Timber properties A diffuse porous wood, white or greyish white in colour with a fine even texture. The sapwood is not distinguishable from the heartwood. The grain tends to be irregular. Holly produces a heavy timber averaging 780 kg/m3 seasoned and is harder than most native woods. It is inclined to distort in drying and kiln drying is not recommended. Clear timber is good for turning and staining and polishing. The heartwood is perishable. Amenity value The flowers are fragrant and in autumn and winter the scarlet berries contrast vividly with the mass of dark green glossy leaves. Conservation In most years the berries are soon eaten by birds. The leaves and bark are good browse for deer in winter. Timber value Holly timber is available in limited quantities and small sizes only. It is suitable for turnery and inlaid work in furniture. Economic appraisal Not a timber tree but a valuable understorey tree in broadleaved woodland and coniferous forest and an excellent amenity shelter and hedging tree in urban and rural areas. |
A Member of the Marigot Group
The Natural Network
[ HOME ] [ ELITE SITKA ] [ FORESTRY ] [ CELL GROWN ] [ CATALOGUE ] [ CONTACT US ] [ LOCATIONS ] [ LINKS ]