English Holly Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot' (f/v)

Names

• Family

  Aquifoliaceae.

• Synonyms

  English Holly, Common Holly, European Holly, Christmas Holly.

• Common names

  Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Commonly known as English holly, Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot' is considered to be toxic to humans if ingested. The berries contain saponins and theobromine, substances that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to drowsiness, dehydration, and, rarely, seizures. The leaves might also cause minor symptoms if eaten due to their spiny nature which can cause physical irritation to the mouth and throat.

• To pets

  English holly is also toxic to pets, specifically cats and dogs. Similar to its effects on humans, ingestion of the berries can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, with symptoms that may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The leaves, with their prickly edges, can also cause physical irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the amount ingested, there could be more severe symptoms, but typically ingestion of small quantities leads to mild to moderate symptoms.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Spread

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot' - commonly known as English Holly - is valued for its glossy, variegated leaves and bright red berries that provide a splash of color in gardens, particularly during the winter months when other plants may be dormant.
• Wildlife Habitat: English Holly offers shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, especially in winter when other resources are scarce.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, English Holly can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens with dryer conditions.
• Screening Plant: With its dense growth habit, English Holly can be used as a hedge or screen for privacy or to block unsightly views.
• Adaptability: English Holly can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
• Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal pruning and care once established, English Holly is a low-maintenance option for landscapers and gardeners.
• Seasonal Interest: Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest in the landscape, adding structure and color even in the winter months.
• Pollinator Friendly: Although it's dioecious, with separate male and female plants, the female plants produce flowers that can attract bees and other pollinators.
• Cultural Significance: English Holly is associated with Christmas and winter holidays, making it an important plant for cultural and festive decorations.
• Versatility: It can be trained into different shapes and sizes, making it versatile for various landscape designs, from topiaries to natural hedges.

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

• Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot', commonly known as English Holly, can be used for topiary, as their dense growth habit allows them to be shaped into various structured forms for garden aesthetics.
• English Holly branches with their bright red berries are traditionally used in winter holiday decorations and wreath-making, contributing to festive decor.
• The wood of the English Holly is often used for inlay work in fine furniture due to its white color and fine grain, which contrasts well with darker woods.
• English Holly can be planted as part of a hedge or boundary, providing privacy and acting as a windbreak in residential gardens.
• Its spiny leaves make it a good deterrent plant for security purposes, often planted beneath windows to discourage intruders.
• The shrub can serve as a host plant for various species of birds, offering shelter and berries as a food source during harsh winter months.
• The dense foliage of English Holly provides excellent nesting sites for birds, promoting biodiversity in a garden setting.
• English Holly wood is sometimes used to make chess pieces, particularly the white pieces, due to its fine, pale finish after polishing.
• The plant can be used for educational purposes, demonstrating pruning techniques and garden management to horticulture students.
• In photography and film, English Holly is often used as a backdrop or decorative element to convey a traditional or seasonal setting.

Feng Shui

The English Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The English Holly is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection and safety: Hollies, including 'Madame Briot,' often symbolize protection due to their spiky leaves, which are thought to ward off negative energy or evil spirits.
• Everlasting life: As an evergreen plant, hollies represent immortality and everlasting life, maintaining their green foliage throughout the year, even in harsh winter conditions.
• Fertility and rebirth: With their vibrant red berries, holly plants are often associated with fertility and the promise of new life, especially in pagan traditions where they were celebrated during the winter solstice.
• Good luck: Holly is viewed as a plant that brings good fortune and luck, going back to Druidic beliefs that holly was a sacred plant that would bring protection and luck to their homes.
• Hope: The holly plant is also a symbol of hope, with its resilience during the winter months being a reminder that life continues and spring will return.