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Holly can be found on all the continents except Australia. There are about 600 species of holly. Its leaves can be either deciduous or evergreen. Most holly grows the male and female flowers on separate plants. Bees and other insects are the pollinators. Berries can be any color, from red or green to a purplish-black. These berries are slightly poisonous to humans, causing upset stomachs or diarrhea if eaten. Holly berries are a very important source of food for birds who depend on them through the winter, as well as the plant providing them with safe shelter.
The word "holly" comes from the Old English "holegn". In the Celtic languages, holly is "celyn" in Welsh and "cuilleann" in Irish. The botanical name "ilex" was the original Latin name for the Holm Oak, which is often confused with Holly because the leaves are very similar. Holly has heavy, hard and pale wood that is perfect for the white pieces of a chess game (ebony for black). The wood is also good for the frame of looms because it can be smoothed well enough not to snag threads. Some species of holly, such as the yerba mate, are a source of caffeinated tea. Ilex Guayusa has the highest caffeine content of any plant. Ilex vomitoria or Yaupon is a ceremonial stimulant and purgative known among the southeastern Native Americans as "the black drink". For milder effects, the Evergreen Winterberry (Ilex glabra) or Appalachian tea. If the berries are dried and powdered, they have the opposite effect and can relieve diarrhea and heavy menstrual flow. The bark and leaves can be used as poultices to help broken bones heal. In Bach flower remedies, the holly was one of the two main essences, along with the Wild Oat. Dr. Bach' based this on a study of ancient Celtic wisdom, in which the Holly was considered as the plant or tree that brought light into the darkness. It is able to germinate without sunlight and grows best in dark and damp conditions, even thriving through the worst winter weather. These traits give it an underworldly connotation. In Celtic lore, Holly is the "dark twin" of the Oak. They reign at opposite times of the year. Sometimes they are interchangeable. Holly is also frequently linked with Ivy, another hardy, evergreen plant. There are quite a few mentions of holly being used for spears and for chariot shafts. Holly is also symbolized in the story of the Green Knight, who appears in Arthur's court during a winter feast. The druids wore holly crowns while they collected mistletoe. Celtic Tree Mysteries by Steve Blamires Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy by Mechthild Scheffer A Druid's Herbal by Ellen Evert Hopman |
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Feverfew
Lavender Ladybugs Thyme Bay Laurel Mint Answers to Spring Equinox Quix Dandelion for Spring Tonic Fiddleheads Nettles for Spring Daffodil Quiz Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: THE SACRED OAK Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: VERVAIN Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: MARIGOLDS AND MAIDENS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: THE CHARM OF IVY Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: GREEN WHEAT EARS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: FLAX BLOSSOMS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08 - GARLIC Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: EGLANTINE Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Magical Fern Seeds Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: BOX SPRIGS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: APPLE Brighid's Imbolc Garden Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Hawthorn Cure for Fairy Stroke Cure for ElfShot Cure for Flea Infestation Cure for Giggling Fits Hemorrhoid Remedy Flatulence Itching Love Spell Cure Warts & Carbuncles |
