English holly's native range is the British Isles to southern and central Europe.
Native to northern Africa (i.e. Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia), western and southern Europe (i.e. the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, Albania, Bulgaria, Italy and Yugoslavia) and western Asia (i.e. Iran, Syria and Turkey).
Large, dense, slow-growing evergreen tree or shrub that can reach 15 to 50 feet tall and up to 15 wide. Can grow as either a single tree or a multi-stemmed thicket. Leaves are thick, glossy, dark green and wavy, 1-3 inches long and usually have sharp spines along the edges although may be smooth on older branches. Flowers are small, whitish, and sweetly scented, and fruits are red, yellow or orange berries in the winter.
English holly is a broadleaf evergreen tree/shrub that is grown ornamentally in the northwestern United States and Canada but is also commonly found escaping into forests in this region. It is grown commercially in the Pacific Northwest and commonly used in decorations and floral arrangements as well as in landscapes. Widely cultivated as a garden ornamental and hedging plant in the temperate regions of Australia. Numerous cultivars are available, including some without prickly leaves and others with variegated leaves.
