Holly

Holly (Ilex opaca)

Common Name(s): Holly, American Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex opaca

Distribution: Eastern United States

Tree Size: 50 ft (15 m) tall, 2 ft (.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (675 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .50

Hardness: 1,020 lb_f (4,540 N)

Bending Strength: 10,300 lb_f/in² (71,030 kPa)

Elasticity: 1,110,000 lb_f/in² (7,660 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 9.9%, Volumetric: 16.9%, T/R Ratio: 2.1

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; it’s usually cut during the winter and kiln dried shortly thereafter to preserve the white color of the wood.

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

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.

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

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, oak has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: 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.

Related Species:

Cape Holly (Ilex mitis)

Scans/Pictures: As you can see from the pictures below, unlike other light-colored woods, Holly remains light-colored even after a finish has been applied, (assuming a non-yellowing finish was used.)

Holly (sanded)