What is the shape of a holly leaf?
Shape and Texture Holly leaves are elliptical in shape but possess widely spaced, prickly spines along the edges. This placement of spines enhances the wavy and distinct scalloped look of the holly leaf.
Are holly leaves opposite or alternate?
Hollies in general are woody plants with smooth bark and what’s called an alternate (rather than opposite) leaf arrangement on the stem.
How do holly leaves grow?
Holly has characteristics common to all trees, among them: the appearance of uniting cosmic and earthly forces by growing higher up than herbs, and by planting their roots much deeper into the ground. The form of the leaves varies from young to old, male to female and even from one part of the same tree to another.
What are the characteristics of the holly leaf?
Hollies have alternate simple leaves, and the leaves of many species have wavy margins tipped with spines. The plants can be evergreen or deciduous. The single or clustered, usually greenish small flowers are unisexual and have four petals, and the male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants.
Are holly leaves always spiky?
Festive trees make spiny leaves to ward off nibblers. With shiny evergreen leaves and bright red berries, holly trees are a naturally festive decoration seen throughout the Christmas season. They’re famously sharp. But not all holly leaves are prickly, even on the same tree.
Will Nellie Stevens holly grow in shade?
Sun, Shade, and Soil Nellie Stevens holly can survive in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH of 5.0 to 7.0.
Is an American holly leaf simple or compound?
Ilex opaca Soland. ex Ait. Ilex opaca (American Holly) is a species of tree in the family Aquifoliaceae. They have a self-supporting growth form. They are native to North America, Eastern North America, and United States. They have simple, simple leaves.
Why do holly leaves have spines?
Scientists have discovered what makes holly prickly and what makes leaves smooth. Researchers found leaves are much more prickly lower down the tree where herbivores can reach, suggesting the spines have evolved to protect the species.
What kind of leaves does a lusterleaf Holly have?
Leaves are oblong to ovate-oblong, obtuse or shortly acuminate, serrate with black gland at end of each tooth, and coriaceous. They grow between 3″-7″ and 1 1/2″-3″ wide.
What kind of artificial Holly for a Christmas tree?
12 Pack Artificial Red Berry Stems Branches, Jmkcoz Fake Burgundy Berry Picks Faux Holly Berries for Christmas Tree Xmas Wreath Decorations Floral Arrangements, Halloween Holiday Home DIY Crafts Decor . . . Only 16 left in stock – order soon.
What kind of fruit does an ilex holly produce?
Fruit in axillary clusters surrounding twigs. Flowers attract bees and fruits are enjoyed by birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. Deep, dull orange-red globose berry borne in dense clusters that persist into spring and are less than 1″ wide and 1″ long.
What are the different types of leaf arrangements?
There are three basic types of leaf arrangements found in trees and shrubs: alternate, opposite, and whorled. In an alternate leaf arrangement, there is one leaf per plant node, and they alternate sides. Black walnut ( Juglans nigra ). The black walnut may appear to have an opposite leaf arrangement, but it has compound leaves.
