Ilex aquifolium (Holly, or European Holly to distinguish it from related species) is a species of holly native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Growing Details Common Name: Common holly Genus: Ilex Species: aquifolium Skill Level: Beginner Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade, Shade Hardiness: Hardy Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry Height: 2000cm Spread: 800cm Spacing: 3 Plants Per Metre Description An evergreen tree growing to 10-25 m tall and 40-80 cm (rarely 1 m or more) trunk diameter, with smooth grey bark. The leaves are 5-12 cm long and 2-6 cm broad, variable in shape; on young plants and low branches, with three to five sharp spines on each side, pointing alternately upward and downward; on higher branches of older trees with few or no spines except for the leaf tip, often entire. The flowers are white, four-lobed, and pollinated by bees. The fruit is a red berry 6-10 mm diameter, containing four pits; although mature in late autumn, they are very bitter so are rarely touched by birds until late winter after frost has made them softer and more palatable.