Quercus ilex (Holm Oak, Evergreen Oak)


Botanical Information

FamilyFagaceae
GenusQuercus
Speciesilex
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginMediterranean region.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-21 - 4
Temperature (°F)-5 - 40
Height15 - 25 m
Spread8 - 20 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ShapeLow mounding-spreading.
PropagationBy seed or cuttings.
CultivationGrow under full sun to part shade in rich, moist, well-drained sandy loam.
PestsScale, oak skeletonizer, leaf miner, galls, oak lace bugs, borers, caterpillars and nut weevils. May be susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots and powdery mildew.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. Kings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
HabitatFound at altitudes of 0-1,400 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBlackish bark in colour that exfoliates into small square plates, with greyish and pubescent twigs.
Leaf DescriptionGlabrous, glossy dark green leaves with a dull, pubescent underside and measure between 3 - 7 cm in length.
Flower DescriptionYellow male catkins 4 - 7 cm in length.
Fruit DescriptionPointed acorns 1.5 - 2 cm in width and height.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs