European holly (Ilex aquifolium) observed in Portland, OR, US
iNaturalist: mattiexoxo
Invasive Species
European holly has escaped garden cultivation and is spreading into wild areas around Portland, where it can outcompete native understory plants and alter the local ecosystem you might hike through.
European holly, the classic Christmas plant with shiny, spiky leaves and red berries, was spotted growing in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Europe, it was brought to North America as a garden plant but has been spreading on its own in the moist, mild climate of the Pacific Northwest. Birds eat the berries and drop seeds in forests, helping it spread beyond where it was planted.
Key Findings
A verified, research-grade observation of European holly was recorded in Portland, OR, US.
European holly is a non-native species in Oregon, originally introduced as an ornamental plant from Europe and western Asia.
The Pacific Northwest's climate closely mirrors holly's native range, making the region particularly susceptible to naturalization of this species.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A research-grade observation of European holly (Ilex aquifolium) has been recorded in Portland, Oregon. This documents the presence of a non-native ornamental shrub that has naturalized in the Pacific Northwest.
Abstract Preview
Research-grade observation of European holly in Portland, OR, US.
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Species Mentioned
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Ilex aquifolium, the holly, common holly, English holly, European holly, or occasionally Christmas holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It is regarded as the type species of the genus Ilex,...