Species holm oak

holm oak

Quercus ilex

Holm oak (Quercus ilex) is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region with a distinctive silvery-gray foliage and dark, shiny bark. It grows quite tall, reaching up to 30 meters and is highly fire-resistant. It has small, spiky leaves and its wood is widely used for firewood and in carpentry. The holm oak requires a lot of sun and well-drained soils to thrive and is an essential part of the iconic Mediterranean landscape. Its dense foliage provides shelter and food for wildlife and its acorns are very popular with many birds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

The holm oak requires watering at least every 2 weeks. During the summer months, water more often to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering. Once or twice a month should do the trick. The amount of water you should use will depend on the size of the plant and soil conditions. A good rule of thumb is to provide each plant with the equivalent of 1 inch of water each time you water. You can use a soil moisture gauge to help you determine when the soil is sufficiently moist, or simply stick your finger in the soil about 2 inches deep; if it feels wet then it doesn’t need to be watered.

sunlight

The holm oak is a species of evergreen tree that needs sunshine throughout the year in order to thrive. It should receive plenty of full sun, around 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, for optimal growth and to maintain a healthy foliage. In particular, this species loves sunshine in the morning and afternoon, when the sun is higher in the sky. In areas with intense afternoon sun, a light shade from 10 am to 3 pm should be provided, while ensuring the plant has exposure to morning sunlight for at least 6 hours.

pruning

Prune Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) every 3-5 years, if necessary, to maintain size and shape. Start pruning in late winter or early spring by removing dead wood, crossing branches, and any branches that are growing towards the center. Make sure to never prune more than 1 third of the total amount of branches. It is also important to use the proper pruning techniquessuch as thinning, selective pruning, and heading backso that the plant will maintain its shape and symmetry. When pruning make sure to use your fingers to pinch off buds—and always sterilize your tools before and after use.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Quercus ilex typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Holm oak typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Quercus ilex typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map