Hollies 287 
HOLLIES 
Ilex. This large genus of some one hundred and seventy-five species 
of world-wide distribution, and a large number of varieties, furnishes 
small trees and shrubs, of much ornamental value by virtue of their 
foliage, which in several species is evergreen, spiny, and unique, and 
by their delicate, white flowers, and their bright berry which hangs 
throughout the winter. Their great shade-endurance and their slow 
growth fit them especially for under-planting; indeed, the evergreen 
species thrive best in the shade. They do not transplant easily when 
old, having a deep-going root. They are free from insects, but some- 
what liable to frost, and “burn” badly. Since these are dicecious, 2.e., 
male and female on different plants, and since the berries are their 
great attraction, care must be taken to select female trees. They 
are well adapted to grouping with other evergreen and _ leather- 
leaf foliage, and where dignity, yet not overmuch formality, is 
desired. 
I. opaca Ait. (212), the native, evergreen Holly of the Middle and 
Southern States, is hardy to half hardy north into Canada, a small tree 
of oval outline, flowering in June, and much used for its red berries as 
a Christmas green. It thrives best in deep rich soils and in the shade, 
although growing also in dry, barren situations, but not in wet and 
compact soils. It is not easily transplanted, and in exposed position 
its leaves become brown and shabby (‘burn’). When transplanting, 
the leaves should be removed and the tree cut back. 
I. aquifolium Linn. (213), the English (European) Holly, is less 
hardy, thriving in New England, although only in well-protected places, 
but is superior to the former because of its larger, darker, thicker, more 
wavy and bristly, glossier foliage, and greater abundance of red ber- 
ries. ‘To increase its hardiness, it is grafted on roots of the American 
holly. It prunes well and makes a first-class hedge. 
The very striking, golden-leaved, silver-edged, mottled, and many 
other showy varieties are tender. 
The two Japanese species, of the eleven native there, have hardly yet 
come into use, but are of great promise, namely: 
I. latifolia Thunb. (214), a larger tree, with much larger (up to seven- 
inch) leaves, with red berries, said to be most beautiful; 
I. crenata Thunp. (215), with much smaller (one-inch), finer leaves 
and black berries, is a gem, and more easily transplanted; mostly in 
