January 23, 2007
American Holly, Ilex opaca
The woods near Lusitania are sporting a green winter understory of these native broad-leaved evergreens, which were planted as part of the Northeast Sector restoration. Holly branches are full of prickly leaves that provide habitat for birds and other small animals. Their bright red fruit are a nutritious winter food. Because Massachusetts is at the northern boundary of their range, these plants are likely to remain shrub-like. Farther south, in New Jersey and Delaware, they can reach 30 feet and taller.