Quercus ‘Ilex’

OVERVIEW:

Quercus ‘Ilex’ commonly called holly oak or holm oak, is a medium to large evergreen oak that typically grows to 40-60’tall and features upright branching, dense foliage, a rounded crown and fissured gray bark. Leathery, ovate, dark green evergreen leaves typically grow to 3” long by 1” wide and are silvery-white beneath. Insignificant, yellowish-green flowers bloom in April-May and are followed by small acorns which ripen in September-October. It needs full to partial sun and regular water upon planting but is drought tolerant once mature. Propagation is done by seed and cuttings. 

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Quercus ‘Ilex’

Common Name: Holly Oak, holm oak

Family: Fagaceae

Suggested Uses: Shade tree, Street tree, hedge, or windbreaker.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 60 feet 

Foliage: Dark Green Spear-shaped leaf with silvery-white underside

Flower: Inconspicuous

Bloom Period: Winter or Spring

Fruit: Brown Acorn

Bark: Light Green or Light Gray, Furrowed, Smooth

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun

Water: Medium

Soil: Sand, clay, very acidic to very alkaline

USDA Zone: 7, 8, 9