Stechpalme

Die immergrüne Stechpalme trägt adulte stechende Blätter. Ihre rote Früchte tragenden Zweige dienen im angelsächsischen Raum als wichtiger Weihnachtsschmuck.

Die blühende Stechpalme inspirierte Dr. Bach zu seiner Therapieblüte "Holly".

 

Succeeds in most soils, including peat, chalk, gravels, sand and shales, so long as they are not water-logged, though wild plants are occasionally found in situations with standing winter water. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Dislikes dry soils according to one report whilst another says that it succeeds in dry shade. Tolerates a pH range from 3.5 to 7.2. Succeeds in full sun or fairly dense shade, self-sown seedlings from woods and shady places making the most shade tolerant plants. Tolerant of maritime exposure though in such a situation it may lose some or all its leaves in the winter. Plants require a minimum July temperature of 12°c for good fruit production. They tolerate short periods in winter down to -15°c. Severe frosts can kill whole branches, especially if they are open to the sky. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. Flowers and fruits are formed on wood of the previous year's growth. A good bee plant, the minute flowers are sweetly scented. The fruit is a valuable winter food source for birds. Resents root disturbance, especially as the plants get older. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[K]. Only move the plants in May or, preferably, in September. Plants are quite slow growing, even when in good soils and situations. Trees are usually dioecious but hermaphrodite forms are available. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required. Plants are capable of regenerating from the main stem both above and below ground level and, although the top may be killed in a fire, the plants will usually regrow from the base. Rabbits are particularly fond of this species and will quickly remove the bark. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Fragrant flowers, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1].

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The leaves have been used as a tea substitute. The roasted fruit has been used as a coffee substitute. Some caution is advised here, since the fruit can be purgative and emetic[K].

Fuel Hedge Hedge Wood An excellent hedge plant, tolerating hard clipping and maritime exposure and forming a dense stock-proof shelter. Plants are fairly slow growing however. The cultivar 'Pendula' makes a very good carpeting ground cover plant when grown as a cutting on its own roots. It can be planted up to 1.2 metres apart each way, but is fairly slow to cover the ground. Wood - strong, hard and dense, it polishes well, though it must be well dried and seasoned or else it warps badly. It is beautifully white, except at the centre of very old trees, and is highly regarded by cabinet makers though it must be well seasoned. The heartwood of mature trees is used for printing blocks, engravings, turnery etc. The wood makes a good fuel, burning well even when green. Landscape Uses: Border, Screen, Standard, Specimen. The book 'Petite flore de France, Belgique, Luxembourg, Suisse" By Regis Thomas, David Busti, and Margarethe Maillard note that Ilex aquifolium has been used as a glue made from the bark to catch birds.

Heimisch: Alaska, Albania, Algeria, Austad, Austria, BR, Baleares, Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Bulgaria, Corse, DK, Denmark, England (England, Wales, Isle of Man, Scotland, Outer Hebrides, Orkney Isl., Shetland Isl., Isles of Scilly); Ireland (Ireland, Northern Ireland); Denmark; Norway; +Sweden; Netherlands; Belgium; Luxembourg; Germany (Brandenburg, Berlin [I], Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Hessen [I], Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Schleswig-Holstein, Saarland, Sachsen [I], Sachsen-Anhalt, Thüringen [I]); Switzerland; Liechtenstein; Austria; Hungary; Portugal; Spain; Andorra; Baleares; France; Monaco; Channel Isl. (Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey, Sark); Corsica; Sardinia; Italy; Sicily; San Marino; Slovenia; Croatia; Bosnia & Hercegovina; Montenegro; Serbia; Kosovo; North Macedonia; Albania; Romania [I]; Bulgaria; Greece (N- & C-Greece, Evvoia, Andros); European Russia; Morocco; Algeria; Tunisia; Madeira [I] (Madeira Isl. [I]); Northern Caucasus; Azerbaijan; East Aegaean Isl. (Lesvos); Turkey (WN-Anatolia); Iran (N-Iran); India [c]; Australia [I] (South Australia [I], New South Wales [I]); New Zealand [I]; Chatham Isl. [I]; Hawaii [I] (East Maui [I], Hawaii Isl. [I]); Canada [I] (British Columbia [I], Ontario [I]); USA [I] (California [I], Oregon [I], Washington State [I]), Flanders, Flemish Region, Forsand, France, Germany, Global, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Great Britain, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Manizales, Morocco, NO, NW. Balkan Pen., Netherlands, North America, Norway, Oceania, Ontario, Portugal, Portugal Continental, Romania, SE, SK, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Walloon Region, conterminous 48 United States Eingeführt: AU, Arkansas, Belarus, Bogotá, D.C., British Columbia, CA, California, Hawaii, Hungary, IN, Lebanon-Syria, New Jersey, New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Ontario, Oregon, Romania, Slovakia, South Australia, TW, Tasmania, Türkiye, Victoria, Virginia, Washington