Facts about Holly

 Holly Facts

Did you know that decorating with holly during winter goes back to the Druids and Ancient Romans? Yes, that is correct. Have you heard the song Deck the Halls? Well, holly has always been associated with bringing good luck! The Druids believed that if they cut boughs of holly and hung them in their houses during the winter, it would bring them good luck. The Ancient Romans decorated their homes with holly wreaths during the celebration of the Saturnalia festivals. Holly also symbolizes the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’s head. 

Do you use holly to decorate your home during Christmas/winter?

 

Facts about Holly:

1. There are just over 475 evergreen varieties of holly, which include plants, trees, and shrubs. They do not shed their leaves. They do, however, shed old, damaged leaves throughout the year. Holly grows in many places throughout the world.

2. Holly berries are harmful to humans and pets if consumed.  The leaves of holly have very sharp needle-like edges.

3. The most diminutive holly shrub is the Chinese dwarf holly.

4. In Chambers, Alabama, an American holly tree stands 74 feet tall. It is the tallest holly tree on record in the U.S.A.

5. Here are some names of the American Holly varieties: American Holly, Winterberry, Common Holly, Holly Blue, Yaupon Holly, and many more.

6. Holly berries usually appear in autumn and can range in color from red to pink, brown to black, yellow, and white, depending on the type of holly.

7. Atriplex hymenelytra, also known as the desert holly, grows in the desert.

Can you share a fact with us about Holly?

 

Books about holly:

1. Deck the Halls Board book by Running Press

2. Hollies: The Genus Ilex by Fred Galle

3. Winter in the Forest by Rusty Finch

4. Hollies for Gardeners by Christopher Bailes

Parents, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

 

Thank you for reading my post!