False Holly vs. Holly

You’re likely familiar with English or American hollies popular in many landscapes and as holiday decorations. But did you know there’s an unrelated species of plant called false holly that looks mighty similar to some holly species?

In this guide, we’ll compare false holly vs. holly and discuss their plant classification, native growing range, physical characteristics, and various landscape uses.

So, if you’re interested in learning about these plants and how to distinguish them, read on!

Plant Classification

Regarding their classifications, false holly and holly belong to entirely distinct botanical families. This may be surprising given how similar these plants may appear. However, unrelated species often develop similar characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. This is known as convergent evolution.

Interestingly, false holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus), is actually in the olive family, Oleaceae.

In comparison, Ilex (holly) is a genus of over 400 species in the Aquifoliaceae family. Today, Ilex is the only living genus in the Aquifoliaceae family.

False Holly vs. Holly: Physical Characteristics

Now, when it comes to comparing false holly vs. holly, you’ll likely first think of English holly (Ilex aquifolium) as this holly is most similar in appearance to false holly. Both plants are evergreen, and their leaves are glossy, dark green, and can have sharply toothed margins. They both produce many inconspicuous white flowers that are sweet-smelling. Both produce bright red berries of ornamental interest. They can also both be trained into boxy hedges or pyramidal trees.

However, these plants do have some differences that allow you to distinguish them. Firstly, their maximum heights at maturity are vastly different. In cultivation, false holly typically maxes out at 10 feet tall, and 20 feet tall in the wild. In contrast, English holly can reach heights of 50 feet, although it is often trained into much shorter shrubs or small trees.

Additionally, while the plants both produce similar-looking leaves, they are always arranged in different manners. While false holly leaves are oppositely arranged, English holly leaves are alternatingly arranged. In fact, all holly species have alternating leaves.

Finally, while both plants have spiny leaves, false holly leaves lose their toothed margins at maturity. In comparison, English holly leaves typically remain toothed.

The physical characteristics of holly plants can vary widely between species, but many have similarities in addition to the arrangement of their leaves. Most holly species, except about 30 species, are evergreen. Many have glossy leaves and vividly colored berries. They tend to have inconspicuous, tiny flowers. Their leaves vary widely in shape, size, and shade of green. You may also be surprised to learn that the majority of hollies do not have the spiny, toothed leaves that English and American hollies are so well-known for.

Native Ranges and Ideal Growing Conditions

Regarding their native growing range, the holly genus is widespread natively throughout the world. Native species of holly grow in South and North America, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. In comparison, the native range of false holly is limited to Japan and Taiwan.

Both false holly and the holly genus have similar ideal growing conditions and tolerances. Both prefer to grow in full to partial sun and prefer well-draining, moist, loamy, and fertile soil. However, they both are typically tolerant of a wide range of soil types as long as their roots don’t become soggy. Like false holly, many plants in the holly genus are tolerant of particularly acidic soil.

False Holly vs. Holly: Landscape Uses

Regarding their landscape uses, people often grow false holly and many species within the holly genus for their ornamental interest, evergreen foliage, and ability to grow as hedges.

Indeed, false holly grows nicely as a hedge and can make a wonderful privacy screen or garden border. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and its bright red berries are lovely in the fall and winter.

Similarly, many species of holly, such as English or American holly, are excellent candidates to grow as hedges and to use in privacy screens and borders. Some species make excellent specimens in rock gardens, and others can be pruned as trees and provide tall screening between property boundaries.

Up Next

• Soft Touch Holly vs Boxwood: What Are The Differences?
• Compacta Holly vs. Boxwood: What’s the Difference?
• Japanese Holly vs Boxwood: 5 Key Differences

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