Golden Van Tol Holly Ilex aquifolium 'Golden van Tol' (f/v)

Names

• Family

  Aquifoliaceae.

• Synonyms

  Golden Van Tol Holly, Golden Van Tol English Holly.

• Common names

  Ilex aquifolium 'Golden van Tol'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Ilex aquifolium 'Golden van Tol', commonly known as English Holly, is considered to be toxic to humans. The toxicity particularly resides in its berries, which contain several potentially harmful substances, including ilicin, saponins, and alkaloids. If ingested, these substances can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There is also a risk of more severe reactions, including drowsiness, dehydration, and in rare cases, seizures. Ingesting holly leaves might also cause minor symptoms, typically due to the spiny leaves irritating the digestive tract. It's important to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs, especially in children, as they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of the berries.

• To pets

  English Holly is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The primary concern is the ingestion of the berries, which contain toxins like ilicin, saponins, and alkaloids. These can provoke gastrointestinal upset in pets, leading to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The spiny leaves, while less toxic, can cause mechanical injury to the digestive system and may also induce vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. In severe cases, the toxins from the berries can cause drowsiness, dehydration, and potentially be life-threatening if consumed in large quantities. If you suspect your pet has ingested English Holly, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Spread

  4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Ilex aquifolium 'Golden van Tol', commonly known as English Holly, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its variegated, glossy leaves and bright red berries.
• Wildlife Attraction: The berries serve as a food source for birds, while the dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites.
• Low Maintenance: English Holly is relatively easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or pruning once established.
• Drought Tolerance: The plant can tolerate periods of dryness once it is well-established, which is beneficial in areas with water restrictions.
• Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can be used as a hedge or screen to provide privacy in garden spaces.
• Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with evergreen foliage and seasonal berries, ensuring the garden remains lively even in the winter months.
• Soil Adaptability: English Holly can grow in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
• Pest Resistance: The plant is known to be resistant to many common pests and diseases, decreasing the need for chemical treatments.
• Cultural Symbolism: Holly is often associated with Christmas and winter holidays, making it a plant with significant cultural and symbolic value.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Photography: The distinctive leaves of the English Holly can be used as natural props or backdrops for macro photography, creating visually striking images.
• Printing Patterns: The spiky leaves can be dipped in paint and pressed onto paper to create unique, natural patterns for art projects or homemade wrapping paper.
• Festive Decoration: English Holly's variegated leaves can be used for decorating during Christmas, making garlands, wreaths, or table centerpieces.
• Privacy Screens: When planted in a row or hedge, English Holly provides a dense, evergreen screen that adds privacy to a garden throughout the year.
• Topiary Art: Gardeners can shape English Holly into various forms, making it a perfect candidate for topiary gardens and sculptures.
• Woodworking: The hard, dense wood of English Holly is used for making fine furniture, inlays, and decorative items by skilled woodworkers.
• Jewelry: Small pieces of the wood or the polished leaves can be made into pendants or earrings, showcasing the plant's natural beauty.
• Symbolic Gifts: Since English Holly is often associated with protection and good luck, branches or seedlings can be gifted as a symbol of these sentiments.
• Wildlife Habitat: Planting English Holly supports biodiversity by providing shelter and berries as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
• Craft Supplies: The robust, glossy leaves can be preserved with glycerin and used in various crafts, such as homemade cards or bookmarks.

Feng Shui

The Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Holly is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as Holly, is often believed to offer protection. This stems from ancient folklore where it was thought to guard against evil spirits and negative energy.
• Good Luck: Holly is also associated with good luck, and it is a tradition to bring it into the home during the winter holidays to foster a prosperous new year.
• Fertility: The evergreen nature of Holly symbolizes life and fertility, remaining vibrant and green even in the cold of winter, representing the endurance and continuation of life.
• Eternal Life: As an evergreen plant, Holly is a symbol of immortality and eternal life. The ever-present green leaves signify nature's perpetual cycle.
• Peace: Holly's association with Christmas also carries the symbol of peace and goodwill, a sentiment that is emphasized during the holiday season.