You will see this tree on the left as you approach the front door of Godchaux Hall.

The shiny evergreen leaves with spine-tipped lobes make American holly easy to recognize, particularly in the fall and winter when its bright orange-red berries are present.  Although holly is often found as a shrub, it can reach tree size in undisturbed forests.  This is one of the largest holly trees on the Vanderbilt campus.

Holly is not common in the wild in middle Tennessee, but is often seen in other parts of the state, such as the Smoky Mountains.  It is often planted as an ornamental bush and is found at a number of locations on campus.