Holm Oak
Quercus ilex
Also listed as Quercus alpina, Quercus castellana
Also known as Holly Oak, Evergreen Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A dense, evergreen Mediterranean oak with small, dark glossy leaves and a rounded crown. Highly drought-tolerant once established and tolerates poor, rocky soils.
Why grow it
Holm oak offers reliable evergreen structure and drought tolerance superior to most temperate oaks, making it valuable for Mediterranean and semi-arid climates where deciduous species struggle. Unlike more fussy Mediterranean natives, it establishes reasonably well in cooler regions once rooted and tolerates a wider range of soil conditions than many alternatives.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent watering during their first growing seasons despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. Growth can be slow in cooler climates, and the dense canopy may create challenges for understory plantings due to dense shade and leaf litter accumulation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A dense, evergreen Mediterranean oak with small, dark glossy leaves and a rounded crown. Highly drought-tolerant once established and tolerates poor, rocky soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Holm Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Holm oak offers reliable evergreen structure and drought tolerance superior to most temperate oaks, making it valuable for Mediterranean and semi-arid climates where deciduous species struggle. Unlike more fussy Mediterranean natives, it establishes reasonably well in cooler regions once rooted and tolerates a wider range of soil conditions than many alternatives.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent watering during their first growing seasons despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. Growth can be slow in cooler climates, and the dense canopy may create challenges for understory plantings due to dense shade and leaf litter accumulation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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