Quercus ilex

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Tree, Evergreen

Height: 25mSpread: 20m
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Silver

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun

Aspect:

East facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Quercus ilex, or holm oak, is a large, evergreen tree with a rounded crown. It's also known as the holly oak or evergreen oak. The young leaves look similar to holly leaves and have white undersides, while the older leaves have smoother edges. In June new, whitish young leaves appear at the same time as yellow catkins. After being pollinated by wind, the female catkins develop into acorns, which are smaller and more pointed than those of English oak.

The holm oak is tolerant of salt spray and strong winds, so is a good choice for a coastal garden and is often planted as a windbreak. It's also tolerant of pollution, so can be grown in urban gardens. Holm oak can be clipped into large topiary shapes – this is commonly seen in Italy. It can also be grown as a hedge.

The holm oak is native to the Mediterranean and was introduced to Britain in the late 1500s. With climate change, the holm oak could be better suited to drier summers than some of our native trees. It doesn't support quite as many species as our native oaks (Quercus rubra and Quercus petraea) but the catkins are a source of pollen for bees and other insects, and large birds and small mammals eat the acorns. Its dense, evergreen canopy gives year-round shelter for birds.

Grow in any well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. In severe winters Quercus ilex may lose its leaves or die, so it is best grown in milder parts of the UK. Prune to shape in summer if needed.

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Quercus ‘ilex’ and wildlife

Quercus ‘ilex’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and birds. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and provides shelter and habitat.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Quercus ‘ilex’ poisonous?

Quercus ‘ilex’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People