How to Grow Holly Shrubs

About Holly Shrubs

Holly Shrubs are used as a landscape plant around homes and buildings. Growing holly shrubs is easy. It is a low-maintenance plant. The plant has sharply spiked glossy green leaves that form into a dense foliage. There are over 480 species of this plant. Some are evergreens while others are deciduous. You can find bush, tree, and dwarf varieties. The small, white flowers give way to bright red berries. Christmas Holly are attractive sprigs with berries that are used in seasonal decorating.

Caution: The bright red berries are poisonous. Keep young children and pets away from this plant.

Holly shrubs are a symbol of Christmas. The part of the tree that symbolizes Christmas, is a sprig of prickly green leaves and bright red berries. It can be found from New England and southward, growing across most of the Eastern U.S.

Flower Colors: White

Plant Height: up to 30 feet. Dense, sharply spiked leaves

Are Holly Plants Edible?

NO!!

The berries of holly bushes are edible for wildlife. However, it is mildly toxic to humans. Symptoms include drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting,

Keep young children away from this plant.

Medicinal Uses for Holly Plants

Despite being mildly toxic to humans, there are some medicinal applications for Holly.

Native Americans found a variety of medical uses for the tart berries. Among them are treating liver problems, relieve sore gums, improve digestion, and as a laxative.

Important Note: Do not make home remedies unless you are well versed on how to properly prepare this for use on humans.