Holly Facts
Did you know that decorating with holly during the winter
season goes all the way back to the Druids and Ancient Romans? Yes, that is
correct. Have you heard the song Deck the Halls? Well, holly has always been
associated with bringing good luck! The Druids believed that if they cut boughs
of holly and hung it in their houses during the winter season it would bring
them good luck. The Ancient Romans decorated their homes with holly wreaths
during the celebration of the Saturnalia festivals. Holly is also known as a
symbol of the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’s head.
Do you use holly to decorate your home during the
Christmas/winter season?
Facts about holly:
1. There are just over 475 evergreen varieties of holly
which include plants, trees, and shrubs. They do not shed their leaves. They do
however shed old, damaged leaves throughout the year. Holly grows in many places
throughout the world.
2. Holly berries are harmful to humans and pets if
consumed. The leaves of holly have very
sharp needle like edges.
3. The smallest holly shrub is the Chinese dwarf holly.
4. In Chambers, Alabama there is an American holly tree that
stands 74 feet tall. It is the tallest holly tree on record in the U.S.A.
5. Here are some names of the American holly varieties:
American holly, Winterberry, Common holly, Holly blue, Yaupon holly, and there
are many more.
6. The berries on holly usually appear in the autumn time
and can range in colors which include red, pink, brown, black, yellow, and
white depending on the type of holly.
7. There is a holly that grows in the desert called Atriplex
hymenelytra which is known as the desert holly.
Can you share a fact with us about holly?
Books about holly:
1. Deck the Halls Board book by Running Press
2. Hollies: The Genus Ilex by Fred Galle
3. Winter in the Forest by Rusty Finch
4. Hollies for Gardeners by Christopher Bailes
Parents be sure books are child friendly before reading them
to your child/children.
Thank you for reading my post!
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