Much loved, but not a native species in Cascadia, but rather the eastern U.S.
An invasive from east and southeast North America, it was quickly recognized and used as an ornamental plant in the Colonies. It like its English Holly cousin is highly toxic and should be staged with care. In the State of Washington, it considered a noxious weed. We find it in Bonhoeffer Gardens growing in the Hemlock grove (Kiosk 07) without any encouragement. Evergreen with bright red berries it gives relief to the grey of the winter sky, alder trunks, water, asphalt and city buildings. Birds scatter its seeds with accompanying fertilizer. Holly is here to stay.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilex_opaca
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/pdfs/English-holly-Ilex-aquifolium-written-findings-2022.pdf
https://grownative.org/native_plants/american-holly/
https://www.thetreecenter.com/native-american-holly-trees/#:~:text=The%20classic%20holly%2C%20Ilex%20aquifolium,recognized%20as%20native%20American%20trees
Holly is best known for its berries of what color?
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