Wood Information
Holly;
Ilex spp.;  Family: Aquifoliaceae,
The genus Ilex contains over 350 species native to: North America [26], Europe [1],
tropical Africa [1],
Australia [1], with the rest in China and Brazil.
Ilex opaca var. opaca -American Holly:
Distribution: North America, from Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, southwest
to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma, south to Texas
and east to Florida.
Tree: Hollies have spiny evergreen leaves and red berries on the female trees. It is found
in lower areas of deep, rich, moist soils in areas with magnolia, oaks, sweet gum, maples
and hackberry. It reaches a height of 50 feet with a 2 foot diameter. The bark is thick and
relatively smooth with rough wart like processes.
Wood: The sapwood of Holly is white and the heartwood is an ivory white with a bluish cast
or streaks. It has no characteristic odor or taste and is heavy, hard; close grained and
tough, with a low luster like ivory.
Properties: It is difficult to work, but takes a high polish. It glues and screws well, but
drilling should be done slowly. It takes a stain well, and can be ebonized.
Uses: Furniture (inlay), keys for musical instruments (ebonized), scientific instruments,
fixtures, brush backs, carvings, scrollwork, engravings, handles, turnery & novelties. Due
to its hardness and color, holly is often used as an ivory substitute due to the supply and
ethical concerns with elephant tusk ivory.
Harding Pens and Woodturnings