Holly Tree Pictures: Get to Know This Evergreen Ornamental Tree Species

Holly refers collectively to evergreen trees or shrubs of the genus Ilex in the family Aquifoliaceae, and it is very common in the Yangtze River basin and areas to the south in China. As seen in pictures, holly is evergreen year-round, with a rounded, full crown; its leaves are mostly leathery, smooth and glossy on the surface, mostly oval in shape, and often have fine serrations along the edges. The branches and leaves are dense and lush overall, giving a fresh, clean look.

Holly flowers are small, mostly white or pale purple, and often clustered in the leaf axils. Its fruit is a spherical drupe, and when ripe most are bright red, though there are also yellow or black varieties. The fruit stays on the tree for a long time; after autumn arrives, red berries cover the branches, making it the most eye-catching part of many holly pictures, with high ornamental value.

The genus Ilex includes a great many species with considerable variation in form. Among the commonly cultivated ornamentals are Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), which has hard spines on its leaves and a distinctive shape; Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), with fine, dense branches and leaves that suit pruning and shaping; large-leaved holly (Ilex latifolia), whose broad leaves can be used to make kuding tea; and winterberry (Ilex verticillata), known for its red berries used as cut branches, each with its own characteristics.

In landscaping, holly is often used as hedges, garden ornamental trees, or bonsai material. It is highly adaptable, tolerates pruning well, sprouts readily, and is relatively easy to manage. The fruit of some species is also a winter food source for birds, so its ecological value should not be overlooked.

When enjoying holly pictures, note that it is easily confused with other evergreen species such as boxwood and privet; they can be distinguished by leaf texture, whether the edges are serrated, and fruit characteristics. Before choosing seedlings or designing a courtyard, looking at pictures of different varieties will help you select a more suitable holly.