Department of Health and Social Services Library

Celebrating Holly Day

Adopted May 1, 1939, the American Holly ( Ilex opaca Aiton ) is regarded as one of Delaware's most important forest trees. Often called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, the tree has dark, thorny-leaved foliage and red berries. In Delaware, the tree can reach a maximum of 60 feet in height and a trunk diameter of 20 inches. (Delaware Code: Title 29, Chapter 3, Article 305).

The American holly is the First State's official state tree because they were the biggest purveyor of Christmas wreathes in the 1920s and the 1930s. This declined drastically starting in the 1950s when plastic wreaths gained popularity.

FUN FACT: Did you know that only female holly trees actually produce the little red berries? 
Learn more about the American Holly and how to handle them for DIY holiday decorations from the University of Delaware!

Learn more about Delaware and find out other cool facts about the First State, such as the official state dessert (Peach Pie) or the official state dog (rescue dogs)! 

DHSS LIBRARY RECOMMENDS:
 

The Holly-Tree (1855) by: Charles Dickens by Charles Dickens

ISBN: 9781979870368

Publication Date: 2017-11-19

The Holly Tree by Charles Dickens was originally published in 1855, being the Christmas number of Dickens's periodical Household Words. It was so popular that it was then adapted for the stage. It's a collection of short stories by Dickens, Wilkie Collins, William Howitt, Adelaide Anne Procter and Harriet Parr, around the theme of travellers and inns. I liked Collins's and Howlitt's stories the most.It begins with a story by Dickens, The Guest in which a gentleman on his way to Liverpool is snowed in at the Holly-Tree Inn in Yorkshire. To keep himself entertained he reminisces about inns he has visited, giving glimpses into travel and inns in the 19th century. Having exhausted his own memories, this story ends with the idea of asking the inmates of the inn for their own stories.