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The Weed Wire: English Holly
History and Native Range: Ilex aquifolium is an evergreen hardwood that may take either a shrub or a tree. It is native to western Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. Hardy and adaptable, in its native range it acts as an important early successional/pioneer species at forest edges after fire or clearcutting has occurred. The bright red fruit of female plants has long made the species an iconic winter holiday symbol; Christmas in modern times, and the Roman festival of Saturnalia before that. Due to this iconic status, English holly is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes, both in commercial nurseries for holiday decor and in residential gardens year-round.
Identification: When not bearing fruit, English holly can be recognized by its waxy, dark green leaves. The shape of these leaves can be variable; the most easily recognizable spiky form is always present on plants of all ages, but smooth-edged leaves can also grow on the same plant. These smooth leaves are usually present higher up on the plant where they cannot easily be grazed on. Young holly plants may be confused for the native Oregon grape. Key differences are that holly produces white flowers and red berries, while Oregon grape has yellow flowers and blueish summer-fruiting berries. Holly leaves are alternately arranged, while Oregon grape leaves are oppositely arranged.
Photo: King County
As mentioned earlier, English holly can grow as either a shrub or a tree. In tree form, the plant may reach up to 82 feet in height and the trunk up to 40 inches in diameter. Outside of cultivation, larger specimens usually reach 10-20 feet tall and take the form of straggly shrubs when growing in shady conditions, or conical trees in sunny locations. On mature plants, the bark is smooth and light gray.
The Problem Here: As stated, English holly is a widely cultivated ornamental. However, it can easily escape cultivation through two ways: seeds and vegetative fragments. In its native range, English holly is an important late-season food source for many wildlife species. Its eye-catching berries become soft and palatable after frost sets in, and attracts birds, rodents, and larger herbivores. Birds in particular can then spread the seeds within the fruit via their droppings. Additionally, under the right conditions branch clippings from English holly can also take root and form new plants- this typically occurs when yard waste is dumped in natural areas (As a general rule, NEVER dispose of yard waste by dumping in random locations. Always use a municipal green waste bin, free compost dump facilities, or your own compost pile). After English holly is introduced to the landscape by either of these routes, the hardy and adaptable plant can quickly outcompete native species and dominate the understory.
English holly saplings dominating forest understory. Photo credit: Clackamas SWCD
Manual Control: Immature English holly plants are best controlled by pulling or digging. Care must be taken to remove the whole plant, as holly can spread underground through roots or buried branches, and material left behind can resprout. Felling larger plants with a handsaw or chainsaw will prevent the dispersal of new seedlings, but new branches may sprout from the stump. Frequent removal of these sprouts may eventually exhaust the plant.
Herbicides: There are several methods by which English holly can be chemically treated: foliar sprays, cut-stumping, and frilling. Foliar spraying may show limited success as the waxy leaves limit herbicide absorption, but this may be the most efficient method for treating large numbers of small plants like in the infestation pictured above. For larger plants, cut-stumping and frilling tend to be more effective. While these techniques are not necessarily complicated, it is not recommended that untrained individuals attempt chemical treatment on their own. Those interested in the details of cut-stump or frilling treatment can learn more in the links below or contact info@lincolnswcd.org, but it is always recommended to consult with a professional prior to any chemical treatments.
Links to Information and Studies:
Partner Spotlight
MidCoast Watersheds Council
Volunteer Event
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
9:00 AM 1:00 PM
NOTICE: THIS EVENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER!!!
MidCoast Watersheds Council invites you to our upcoming Volunteer Day on Wednesday, December 17th, from 9 AM to 1 PM!
We’re kicking off a new 40-acre restoration project at a former Christmas tree farm along the Alsea River on Hwy 34. Volunteers will help collect, process, and stake willow, as well as remove blackberry root balls from recently restored riparian areas. All skill levels are welcome—come get your hands dirty and make a difference!
Expect possible rain and muddy conditions- please dress accordingly. Muck boots and rain jackets are recommended. Meet on-site: Please park by the shed, and we’ll shuttle folks to the planting area across the field: Google Maps Link
RSVP: Please let Megan know (megan@midcoastwc.org) if you’ll be joining and whether you plan to meet on-site or if you'd like to carpool.
We look forward to seeing you there!