Tree of the month: Holly
Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. It wouldn’t be December without mentioning our most festive tree – the holly.
You’ll be seeing the red berries and waxy prickly leaves all over the adverts, on doors and cards this time of year, but have you given much thought to the tree they come from?
Mature trees can grow to over 15metres, and for over 300 years, but they’re often found in the understories of woodlands due to their shade tolerance. The wood, which grows straight, is hard, fine grained and extremely light in colour – which is why it was traditionally the best wood to make walking sticks from.
Beyond festive looks, the berries (only found on female trees) are a vital source of winter food for birds and small mammals, and the leaves are eaten by various moth and butterfly caterpillars – including the holly blue.
Next time you see a holly, look for the difference between the lower and upper leaves – this change can indicate the browsing height of deer. When they’re out of reach of nibbling animals, the leaves don’t require the protective spikes that they need further down, so are smooth with few or no prickles.
Definitely more than just a festive decoration!
Read our other Tree of the Month blogs...
