There are many holly species in the world and two are found in Long Lake Park. These are ‘mountain holly’ (Ilex mucronata) and ‘Canada holly’ (Ilex verticillata). Canada holly is also called winterberry. The European holly (Ilex aquifolium) keeps its deep green leaves and red berries throughout the winter so it is used for traditional Christmas decorations. Although our hollies lose their leaves in winter, the bright red berries of Canada holly tend to persist into December and are sometimes gathered for decoration. They should be left in Long Lake Park so that they can be enjoyed by everyone using the trails.
The photos were taken on August 13th and so the winterberries are green. They will turn red later. A third holly species is also present in Nova Scotia and it may be in the park too. It is Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
Good to know! Thanks.