Aquifoliaceae -- Holly family

    H. E. Grelen

    When the Pilgrims landed the week before Christmas in 1620 on the  coast of what is now Massachusetts, the evergreen, prickly leaves  and red berries of American holly (Ilex opaca) reminded  them of the English holly (Ilex aquifolium), a symbol of  Christmas for centuries in England and Europe (13,26). Since then  American holly, also called white holly or Christmas holly, has  been one of the most valuable and popular trees in the Eastern  United States for its foliage and berries, used for Christmas  decorations, and for ornamental plantings.