Quercus ilex
(Holm Oak)
Family - Fagaceae
Category - Tree
Origin - Southwest Europe
Year of Introduction - 1580
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H4
Height - up to 25m
Width - up to 20m
Location - The Grounds, The Woodland Walk
Description: A large-sized, Evergreen oak tree with a broad, rounded outline. The leathery dark green leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape and are felted silvery-white on the undersides. The new leaves emerge bright green on silvery-white stems. The foliage on juvenile trees resembles that of holly. Abundant, pendent yellow catkins are produced from late spring into early summer. Small, round acorns are green when young and mature to dark brown. The acorns have a more pointed tip than the English Oak (Quercus robur).
The overall height and shape can be controlled by pruning.
Flower:
Monoecious. Pendent yellow catkins are produced from May through June. The small, round acorns are green when young and mature to dark brown.
Flower colour: Yellow
Flower shape: Catkin
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
Leathery, dark green leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape (sometimes ovate) and are felted silvery-white on the undersides. The foliage is Alternately arranged on the branches. The leaves on juvenile trees have spiny margins and resemble that of holly (Ilex).
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Oblong to lanceolate
Propagation:
Grafting, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in sun or shade in well drained soil.