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PLANT PROFILE LIST
NAME: American Holly
SPECIES / FAMILY: Ilex Opaca / Aquifoliaceae
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
CONDITIONS: full
shade-partial shade
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PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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Leaves |
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black tea |
DRY/ROAST |
all |
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Stalk/Stem |
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Buds |
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Flowers |
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Fruits |
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Pods |
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Seeds |
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Nuts |
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Roots |
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Bark |
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PORTION: small
COMMENT: The roasted leaves are used as a tea substitute, but do not contain caffeine. The drink was a very popular tea substitute during the American Revolution and Civil War.(1) Some advise to air dry for 2-3 weeks before roasting.(5)
CAUTION: Do not consume the berries. Always go slow with any plant in case you are allergic or sensitive to it. // Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stupor if eaten in quantity. Others report that the fruits can cause violent vomiting.(1) Proper preparation is key - http://outdoorreliance.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-make-holly-tea.html
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL: The leaves also have vitamin A and C and are packed with antioxidants.(2)https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-511/holly / Antiperiodic; Diuretic; Emetic; Laxative; Ophthalmic; Skin. The berries are laxative, emetic and diuretic. They are used in the treatment of children's diarrhea, colic and indigestion. A tea made from the leaves has been used as a treatment for measles, colds etc. The leaves have also been used externally in the treatment of sore eyes, sore and itchy skin. A tea made from the bark was once used in the treatment of malaria and epilepsy. It has also been used as a wash for sore eyes and itchy skin.(1)
LOOK-A-LIKES:
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES: Historically, used to clean chimneys because of their stiff, toothy leaves.(2) Dye; Hedge; Hedge; Shelterbelt; Wood. Fairly wind-resistant, this species is also used in shelterbelt plantings. A dye has been made from the berries - the colour is not given. Wood - light, tough, not strong, close grained, highly shock resistant, easily worked. A strikingly white wood, it is valued for use in veneers and inlay, valued for use in cabinet making and the interior finishes of houses, it is also used for making small items such as tool handles. The wood can also be stained to imitate ebony.(1)
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ilex+opaca
- http://www.eattheweeds.com/hollies-caffein-antioxidants
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilex_opaca
- http://www.foragingtexas.com/2012/05/american-holly.html (good photos)
- http://outdoorreliance.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-make-holly-tea.html (great preparation advice)
- https://www.bellarmine.edu/faculty/drobinson/holly2.asp
- http://medicinalherbinfo.org/000Herbs2016/1herbs/american-holly
- https://www.rxlist.com/holly/supplements.htm
- https://americanholly.org (berries used to make buttons?)
FOLKLORE:
- https://www.deseret.com/2008/12/2/20289027/holly-s-meaning-goes-way-back (interesting historical notes: "The Romans gave boughs of hollies to friends during the Festival of Saturn, the winter solstice holiday celebrated in late December. It was meant to bring protection and good luck. The Druids believed that hollies represented foresight: facing hardships or sacrifices now for something better in the future.")
- https://extension.psu.edu/holly-legends-customs-and-myths
- https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/trees-plants-animals/trees/holly/holly-mythology-and-folklore
- https://myfarmlife.com/home-garden/6-tales-of-holly-legend-and-lore