Tag: Holly

The holly genus, *Ilex*, is comprised of hundreds of species, but only a small number of them naturally produce caffeine. So, does holly have caffeine? The answer depends entirely on the specific plant, with common ornamental varieties like English holly being very different from caffeinated types.

While some species, like the Yaupon holly (*Ilex vomitoria*), have leaves that can be boiled for a caffeinated tea, consuming leaves from common ornamental hollies like English holly (*Ilex aquifolium*) is highly discouraged due to toxic saponins and other compounds,. Never assume boiling is a guaranteed method for making a plant safe for consumption.

While holly berries are a picturesque symbol of the holidays, they contain toxic saponins that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. So, are hollies safe to eat? The unequivocal answer is no, especially for humans and pets, making this a critical distinction for diet and safety.

While often mistaken for true grapes, the berries of the Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) are indeed edible, though incredibly tart and seedy. It is crucial for anyone considering foraging to understand the specific parts of the plant that are safe to consume and to take necessary precautions.