Overview
Quercus ilex is also commonly known by the names holm oak, holly oak and evergreen oak. This lovely Mediterranean tree does well in coastal locations (UK). It is a big evergreen tree species in the beech and oak family, Fagaceae, it typically exceeds 12m in height and a spread of over 8m, given enough space to grow. The bark is finely cracked and dark brown-black in colour, with a rough texture. The crown of this tree is large and rounded, leaves are oval in shape, shiny on the upper surface and whitish on the underside. Leaves are whitish upon emergence and develop dark green colouring with age. Flowers are arranged in a hanging spike, termed a catkin and they are yellow and wind pollinated.
