A festive rattle through some of the plants associated with Christmas – some of which, but decidedly not all, grow in the North York Moors…
Sam Witham – Conservation Student Intern
Common hollyIlex aquifolium
Christmassy fact: Holly is well known as a festive winter decoration. The Romans sent holly branches with presents during the December festival of Saturnalia.
Other facts: ‘Holm’ is an old name for holly and is seen in place names such as Holmwood and Holmsdale.
UK Habitat: Woodland and hedgerows – it is commonly found as an understorey tree or shrub in oak and beech woods.
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Common ivy Hedera Helix
Christmassy fact: Traditionally ivy is associated with holly (hence the song) and used in festive winter decorations.
Other facts: Ivy can be mistaken for two different species as the juvenile leaves look totally different to the adult ones. In…
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