American Holly
Posted on in Recent Sightings by Hawk Mountain
On the walk to the Entrance Gate from the Visitor’s Center, keep your eyes peeled for this wintertime beauty. The American Holly (Ilex opaca), also known as Christmas holly or yule holly, is an iconic symbol of the holiday season.
Considered an evergreen, this plant does not lose its leaves when temperatures drop, defining its popularity as a decoration around Christmastime. The berries on a wild holly feed many birds and small mammal species, but are toxic to humans and pets.
Photo by Laura Berry.