Cuileann
Latin name: Ilex aquifolium
Holly is an evergreen tree. It is a small tree and grows to about one metre high.
Red berries of the Holly Tree
Copyright John Kennedy
Red berries of the Holly Tree
Copyright John Kennedy
Copyright John Kennedy
Red berries of the Holly Tree
Copyright John Kennedy
The bright red berries of the holly tree are important food for animals during the winter. This is because the cold and frost make the ground too hard to search for food.
Be careful not to eat any of these berries. They are poisonous and can make people very ill. The leaves of the holly tree also shelter birds from the cold.
The holly tree has very hard, white wood.
Did you know that it is used to make the white pieces for the game of chess? The black pieces are made from ebony.
Did you know that it is used to make the white pieces for the game of chess? The black pieces are made from ebony.
Holly
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
Can you think of any other way that people use holly?
Holly is often used to decorate homes at Christmas. Have you ever made a holly wreath for your front door? Remember to be very careful of the prickly leaves!
The holly tree was once a very important tree in Ireland. The Celts believed holly to be the ruler of the dark winter months. The oak was the ruler of the lighter summer months.