Medicinal Monday Common Holly

So many of us grew up thinking that Holly, one of the most festive holiday plants is poisonous.  While it is true that saponin-laden holly berries are relatively toxic and must be avoided, the dried leaves of Ilex aquifolium, known as Common Holly have an interesting history in botanical medicine.  It is also the traditional Christmas holly used in Europe and throughout much of the United States for decoration. The glossy green prickly leaves and bright red berries (produced only by female plants) are made into wreaths and garlands wherever Christmas is celebrated. The only New England state Common holly is found in is Massachusetts. 

About Common Holly

Common Holly is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia and has become naturalized in America's Pacific Northwest. Common holly is a large ornamental flowering evergreen tree or shrub in the Aquifoliaceae or holly family. The tree is slow-growing and can reach up to 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide. This tree/shrub is often found in well-drained soil and is often the dominant understory in a woodland forest. It prefers full to partial sun and protection from cold winter winds.  The leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark green, and are edged with spiny teeth. Clusters of small fragrant white flowers appear in the spring. This tree has male and female parts. The female plants require a male pollinator to produce fruit. When the flowers are pollinated, a reddish fruit, called a drupe (stone fruit) is produced by the female plant. The fruit ripens to a bright red color that matures in October and November. Each fruit contains three to four seeds that don't germinate until the second or third spring.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves of Common holly can be used almost any time of the year and are most often used to treat fevers, rheumatism, coughs, and jaundice. The root has been used as a diuretic. The berries contain saponins and are toxic and should never be used. Some Native American communities made tea from the leaves to alleviate digestive disorders and the flu. Historically, the leaves of other holly species have been used by American Indians as a heart stimulant, laxative and to induce vomiting. Specifically, the Micmac used a root decoction to treat coughs and fever. In times when food was scarce the roots were also consumed. 

Did You Know...

Common Holly is also known as Christmas, English, European, Holm, and Oregon Holly.

Common Holly is listed on the invasive plant list in Oregon, California, and Alaska. It is also invasive in Redwood National Park and Yosemite National Park.

The genus name, llex comes from the Latin name Quercus ilex for holm oak and refers to the similarity of their leaves. 

The word aquifolium also comes from Latin and is the word for acus meaning needle and folium meaning leaf.

The nectar of the flower attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects. 

This shrub was once among the traditional wood used to make Great Highland bagpipes.