Ilex

Holly, Yerba mate (for Ilex paraguariensis), Japanese holly (for Ilex crenata), and others

Message of the Flower

Courageous Goodwill

The Mother’s Comment

Is solid and resistant, fearing neither inclemency nor the cold.

Colour

White

Family

Aquifoliaceae

Cultivars

Numerous, including 'Nellie R. Stevens', 'Blue Princess', and 'Golden King'

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Small, typically 1-2 cm in diameter

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

Generally 4-6 petals

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Some species have fragrant flowers

Leaf Texture

Often glossy, with a leathery texture

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate or occasionally opposite

Leaf Color

Green, variegated in some cultivars

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Both; varies by species

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Spring or early summer, depending on species

Climate

Temperate to subtropical, depending on species

Water Requirements

Moderate, with some species tolerant of wet conditions

Soil Type

Well-drained; soil tolerance varies by species

Temperature Ranges

Varies widely by species

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Holly leaf miner, spider mites, and powdery mildew are common

Pollinators

Bees and other insects

Habitat

Forests, wetlands, and garden landscapes

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife

Ornamental

Widely used in landscaping for their attractive foliage and berries

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Ornamental horticulture, beverages

Endangered Status

Some species are considered at risk due to habitat loss and overharvesting