Ask the Expert: "How can i tell the difference between American holly and English holly? The leaves appear the same" - Katrina S. Plant expert Reply: Katrina, It is very difficult to tell American Hollies (Ilex opaca) from English Hollies (Ilex aquifolium). Every resource on hollies will tell you that English Hollies have glossier leaves. Well that is all well and good if you have them side by side, but glossy is a very subjective attribute. For example in the pictures above, I can't really tell the difference in the glossiness of the leaves. According to the American Horticulture Society, their leaf description is very similar. English Holly leaf - Elliptic or ovate, glossy, dark green leaves with entire, wavy, spine-toothed, or spiney margins. American Holly leaf - oblong-elliptic, spine-toothed or entire, leathery matte, dark green leaves. Ilex Opaca - American Holly For me the best way to tell them apart is by the older leaves. The American [...]