Holly Oak

Quercus Ilex

Design with this plant

Overview

The Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) is an evergreen tree, prized for its resilience and stately appearance. Typically reaching heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet, it sports tough, leathery leaves reminiscent of holly. Ideal for screening and shade, it thrives in various soils, withstands drought once established, and requires full to partial sun. A versatile choice for both formal and informal landscapes.

Sun FullWater LowZones 8–10Climate Mediterranean

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — A versatile choice for both formal and informal landscapes

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — Mature specimens can grow to impressive heights between 40 and 70 feet

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — The Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) is an evergreen tree, prized for its resilience and stately appearance

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — The Holly Oak, scientifically known as Quercus ilex, is an evergreen oak native to the Mediterranean region

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — withstands drought once established

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — and requires full to partial sun

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — Typically reaching heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 8–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Fagaceae
Climate: Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (75)

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — This robust tree is highly valued in landscape design for its versatility and ornamental qualities

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — Mature specimens can grow to impressive heights between 40 and 70 feet

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — The Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) is an evergreen tree, prized for its resilience and stately appearance

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — The Holly Oak, scientifically known as Quercus ilex, is an evergreen oak native to the Mediterranean region

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — withstands drought once established

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — and requires full to partial sun

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — Typically reaching heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — leathery leaves reminiscent of holly

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — Ideal for screening and shade

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — it thrives in various soils

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — with canopies stretching just as wide

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — often casting a dense shade beneath.<br><br>Its distinctive

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — A versatile choice for both formal and informal landscapes

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — leathery leaves are dark green and resemble those of the holly

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — These leaves contribute to the privacy and year-round visual appeal provided by the tree

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — acorn-like fruits about 1 to 1.5 inches long

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — the Holly Oak produces inconspicuous yellow-green catkins

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — with some leaves exhibiting a spiny margin

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — These acorns provide food for a variety of wildlife

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — adding to the tree's ecological value.<br><br>When designing landscapes

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — It can also withstand coastal conditions

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — one must consider the Holly Oak's preference for full sun and well-drained soils

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — This tree is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens

Holly Oak (Quercus Ilex) — requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health

Related plants

Kindred Spirit Hybrid Oak (Quercus X Kindred Spirit®) — The Kindred Spirit® Hybrid Oak (Quercus x Kindred Spirit®) is a slender

Kindred Spirit Hybrid Oak

Quercus X Kindred Spirit®

Full · Zones 4–8

Nuttall's Oak (Quercus Texana) — quickly grows to a robust height of 40-60 feet with a spread of 25-35 feet

Nuttall's Oak

Quercus Texana

Full · Zones 7–11

European Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) — The European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a majestic

European Beech

Fagus Sylvatica

Full · Zones 4–7

Lacey Oak (Quercus Glaucoides) — Lacey Oak (Quercus glaucoides) is a resilient

Lacey Oak

Quercus Glaucoides

Full · Zones 7–10

Maryland Goldeneaster (Chrysopsis Mariana) — Chrysopsis mariana, commonly known as the Maryland Goldeneaster, is a North American native perennial

Maryland Goldeneaster

Chrysopsis Mariana

Full · Zones 4–7

English Oak (Quercus Robur) — is a majestic deciduous tree renowned for its robust growth

English Oak

Quercus Robur

Full · Zones 4–8