A shrub with an upright crown and leaves ranging from 15–25 cm in M. aquifolium to 40–50 cm in M. × media ‘Charity’, made up of elliptical or oval, spiny leaflets. It blooms in winter or spring with yellow flowers, sometimes grouped in upright terminal racemes. The fruits are striking blue berries. M. aquifolium grows in all soil types and tolerates pruning and competition with other plants, while M. × media ‘Charity’ requires calcareous, fertile, and moist soil. These shrubs are used alone, in groups, or for hedges and borders.