English Holly

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Common Name(s): English Holly, European Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex aquifolium

Distribution: Europe, northwest Africa, and southeast Asia

Tree Size: 50-65 ft (15-20 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (670 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .50

Hardness: 1,010 lb_f (4,510 N)

Rupture Strength: No data available*

Elastic Strength: No data available*

*Strength properties most likely very similar to American Holly

Crushing Strength: – lb_f/in² (- MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 5.4%, Tangential: 10.0%, Volumetric: 16.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Color/Appearance: Ideal lumber has a very uniform, pale white color. Many boards have knots, which can reduce the usable area of the wood. Also, Holly can develop a bluish/gray tint if it isn’t dried rapidly after cutting. Holly is usually cut during the winter and kiln dried shortly thereafter to preserve the white color of the wood.

Grain/Pore: Has a fine, even texture and close grain. On most pieces of Holly, there is virtually no visible grain pattern or growth rings.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous or semi-ring-porous; very small pores predominantly in radial multiples of 2-4, commonly arranged in radial rows; growth rings may be distinct due to an intermittent row of earlywood pores; rays visible without lens; parenchyma not typically visible with lens.

Durability: Rated as non-durable or perishable, and susceptible to insect attack.

Workability: Easy to work, with the exception of the numerous knots that are common in Holly. Takes glues, stains, and finishes well, and is sometimes stained black as a substitute for Ebony. Turns well on the lathe.

Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: There have been no adverse health effects associated with Holly. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price/Availability: Seldom available for commercial sale, Holly is an expensive domestic lumber, and is usually only available in small quantities and sizes.

Comments: Holly is typically used only for ornamental and decorative purposes. It has a fairly large shrinkage rate, with a lot of seasonal movement in service, and it’s strength properties are mediocre for a hardwood.

Some common uses for Holly include: inlays, furniture, piano keys (dyed black), broom and brush handles, turned objects, and other small novelty items.