94 HOW TO KNOW WILD FjRUITS 



This is a low, straggling shrub, growing in 

 patches on sandy or rocky banks. It occurs in 

 western Vermont and thence west to Minnesota. 

 It is not poisonous. 



AMERICAN HOLLY 



Ilex opaca Holly Family 



Fruit. — The globular red drupes are borne 

 on short stalks along the recent growths or from 

 the leaf axils, looking like big red-headed pins 

 partly stuck into the branches. The remnant 

 of the stigma at the summit appears as a black 

 spot. The usually four-parted calyx lobes are 

 at the base. Each drupe contains four to six 

 small nutlets, which are ribbed, veiny, or one- 

 grooved on the back. They are somewhat tri- 

 angular in shape. The flesh is yellow and rather 

 thin. Persistent. 



Leaves. — The thick, leathery, evergreen leaves 

 are shining above and paler beneath. They have 

 large teeth which terminate in spines. They are 

 oval in outline, with pointed apex and pointed or 

 angular base. 



Flowers. — These are usually dioecious. The 

 small white or greenish blossoms appear in June. 



