Holly Ilex spp. The word ilex is the classical Latin name of Quercus ilex L., holly oak, of Europe, which has holly-like leaves. Ilex opaca dune holly , hummock holly, scrub holly var. The following description is for American holly. North America, from Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, southwest to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma, south to Texas and east to Florida.
Hollies have spiny evergreen leaves and red berries on the female trees.
Holly is found in lower areas of deep, rich, moist soils in association with magnolia, oaks, sweet gum, maples, and hackberry. The bark is thick and relatively smooth with rough wart-like processes. The sapwood of holly is white and the heartwood is an ivory white with a bluish cast or streaks. The wood has no characteristic odor or taste. It is heavy, hard, close-grained and tough, with a low luster like ivory.