Holly Oak

(Quercus ilex)

Holly Oak (Quercus ilex)

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Img~commonswiki | License Type: GPL | License URL: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html | Uploader: Img~commonswiki | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Ghjandi.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=''[[Quercus macranthera]]'' foliage, near Svanetian Tower, Tbilisi, Georgia. }} |Source=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/vshioshvili/2558601207/ Flickr] |Author=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/vshioshvili/ shioshvili |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Quercus ilex, commonly known as Holly Oak or Holm Oak, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region, including coastal areas, sclerophyllous scrub, and mixed woodlands. It can grow to a height of 21–28 meters (69–92 feet) and develops a broad, dense crown with a picturesque rounded head and pendulous low-hanging branches in open situations. The trunk can exceed 6 meters (20 feet) in girth. The leaves resemble those of holly, with a glossy dark green upper surface. Holly Oak produces acorns that are 12–18 mm long, with cups featuring appressed, downy scales, ripening in the first season. Flowering occurs in spring, with male catkins and inconspicuous female flowers.

Holly Oak is valued for its imposing architectural presence and solid evergreen character, making it a popular choice for urban planting, coastal windbreaks, and tall hedges. It is adaptable to a range of well-drained soils and can tolerate maritime exposure. However, it is not suitable for areas with cold continental winters. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from pests like the oak processionary moth or diseases such as powdery mildew.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 40-70 feet
Width: 40-70 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hedges, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Mediterranean coastal areas, sclerophyllous scrub, and mixed woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Holly Oak , Holm Oak , Encina , Chêne Vert , Stenek , Seiy&Omacr;-Hiiragi-Gashi

Scientific Names: Quercus ilex , Quercus glauca , Quercus murbeckii , Quercus mixta , Quercus gramuntia , Quercus gracilis , Quercus ilex var. latifolia , Quercus ilex var. elegans , Quercus prasina , Quercus ilex var. fordii

GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus ilex L.