What color are holly berries?

Holly berries are typically red. Their bright color, evergreen leaves, and winter persistence helped make holly a familiar symbol of Christmas and other winter celebrations.

The berries are technically drupes rather than true botanical berries. On American holly, each red fruit is generally about 6–12 millimeters across and contains four seeds. The fruits often remain on branches into midwinter, when they stand out against dark green foliage.

Holly plants are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers usually grow on separate plants. Only female holly plants produce fruit, and they generally need pollen from a nearby male plant. This is why a holly shrub may flower without developing berries. Gardeners commonly plant several females with a compatible male to improve fruit production.

Red is the standard quiz answer, but holly species and cultivars can also produce yellow, orange, or dark-colored fruit. The classic Christmas image specifically reflects the red-fruited hollies most often used in decorations. Holly berries should not be eaten casually: they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness in people and pets.