Holm Oak, Holly Oak, Evergreen Oak

Quercus Ilex is known by several names: Holm oak, Holly oak and the Evergreen oak tree. In fact, "Holm" is an old English word for Holly!

At Barcham, we grow Quercus ilex both as a standard single-stem tree and a multi-stemmed bush. We also offer a pleached version that is well-suited for use as privacy screens.

Multi-stemmed Holm Oak are useful for low-level screening/hedging and can also help act as a windbreak. It is important to note that Quercus ilex can grow into a large tree, so regular pruning is required to reduce its size.

Quercus Ilex is a native of Mediterranean countries, but it has been grown in Britain since the 1500s. However, Holm oak trees are now considered native to Southern Ireland. 

It has dark green foliage with yellow catkins in spring, producing acorns in autumn.

The timber is hard and long-lasting, used for joinery, vine-props, and charcoal.

This oak tree won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and is undoubtedly one of the most majestic evergreen trees grown in the UK.

This surprisingly versatile tree can be used for coastal planting where most evergreens struggle with harsh conditions.

Holm Oak trees also tolerate shade and air pollution. Suitable for parks and gardens but thriving best on free-draining soils

Mature height: 20m+

Common names

Holm Oak, Holly Oak, Evergreen Oak

Height of tree

20m+

Tree type

Evergreen

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Multi-stemmed

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Award

Privacy

Screening from ground level

Location

Garden, Parkland, Coastal

Genus

Quercus