Holly Family (Aquifoliaceae)

The holly family occurs in most temperate and tropical regions, except Australia and Africa. About 12 species of Ilex occur in North America. Sarvis holly (Ilex amelanchier), gallberry (Ilex glabra), large gallberry (Ilex coriacea), myrtle-leaf holly (Ilex myrtifolia), and winterberry inhabit swamps, bogs, and floodplains. Possum haw (Ilex decidua) occurs in floodplains and second-growth forests. Some hollies inhabit coastal areas, such as sand holly (Ilex ambigua) and dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). The American holly (Ilex opaca) is found in moist forests. In Florida, the scrub holly, a variety of American holly, inhabits sandy, oak scrub. Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) occurs in coastal areas, scrub, and second-growth forests. The mountain holly, (Nemopanthus mucronata), occurs in the eastern region of North America.

Although most hollies are small trees or shrubs, some have reached a substantial size. For example, the largest dahoon holly, normally about 33 ft (10 m) tall, can reach a height of 79 ft (24 m). Yaupon holly, typically a small or shrubby tree can measure 49 ft (15 m) tall.

Ilex guianensis of Central America stands out from the other, relatively shorter hollies. This species can reach a height of 141 ft (43 m). Like the American hollies, the Asian hollies also occur in a variety of sizes and habitats. The tarago (Ilex latifolia) of Japan is a handsome tree, with large shiny leaves and red berries. This species may grow to 66 ft (20 m). The smaller Ilex integra of Japan is cultivated in tranquil temple gardens.