But as the leaves of the deciduous trees fall, so the evergreen holly takes centre stage. <\/p>
Learn more about the holly tree, including what its leaves look like, when its berries appear and its connection to ivy.<\/p>
- How to identify nuts and seeds from British trees<\/a><\/li>
- British tree guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Holly is emblematic of Christmas\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure> What does holly look like?<\/h2>
Leaves<\/h3>
The leaves are leathery but with a soft vinyl shine. The edges and tip tighten into sharp spines that become less pronounced as the tree ages. <\/p>
Berries<\/h3>
In December, the berries of holly are most conspicuous. Tightly bunched red pearls that contrast with the deep green of the leaves \u2013 colours long associated with the season.<\/p>
![\"red](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2023\/11\/Holly-berries-scaled.jpg\")
Holly berries are a tempting food source for thrushes and waxwings\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure> Holly in folkore<\/h3>
The prominence of the holly in winter has been noted for thousands of years. The ancient Romans<\/a> believed the holly to be sacred to the god Saturn, and homes would be decorated with sprigs during Saturnalia, the December festival held in his honour.<\/p>
Across Northern Europe, holly became a prominent symbol for pagans celebrating the winter solstice<\/a>. Many believed the tree to offer protection from the devil, while others felt it represented male fertility, with the ivy a female counterpart. The relationship between the holly and the ivy is also represented in Christianity and both are familiar parts of Christmas imagery, even giving title to an oft-sung carol. <\/p>
- Feeling festive? Check out our guide to mistletoe<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
![\"Holly](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/12\/Natural-Christmas-decorations-cc7408b.jpg\")
Holly, ivy and mistletoe are often used at Christmas for decorating homes\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure> Edible or not?<\/h3>
The berries and leaves of the holly are poisonous to humans, but provide vital sustenance in the forest when other foods are scarce. Deer<\/a> will feed on the less prickly leaves, while thrushes<\/a> and waxwings will seek out the red pith of the fruit. Meanwhile, in the dry of the leaf litter beneath the foliage may be found hedgehogs<\/a> and dormice<\/a>, curled and sleeping soundly until the world warms once more in early spring.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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- British tree guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul>