The leaves are the most distinctive feature. They are large, dark green, glossy, and distinctly oak-shaped with prominent lobes and spines. The foliage is dense and holds its color well year-round. New growth can have a reddish tint. Inconspicuous small, white flowers appear in spring. Oak Leaf Holly is a female cultivar. It produces an abundant amount of bright red berries in the fall, which persist through winter. While it can produce some berries without a male pollinator, berry production will be significantly heavier and more reliable if a compatible male holly is planted near by.