Botanical Name: Quercus ilex
Common Name: Holly oak, Holm oak Type of Plant: dicot: tree Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape an erect, single-trunked tree, with ascending and spreading branches forming a large, dense canopy; the trunk and main branches have gray, fairly smooth barks Height 20-40' (60') Spread 2/3 to equal Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full or partial sun; grows poorly in shaded locations Soil prefers deep loam soils but tolerates most except alkaline Hardiness hardy (zones 8, 9, 12-24); thrives in warm, inland locations Morphology: Leaves pinnate, alternate, with variable shape, stiff, 1-3" long, entire or slightly toothed; dark shiny green above, paler beneath Flowers inconspicuous, greenish, in slender catkins Fruit a nut (acorn); cup enclosed about 1/2 of the nut Propagation: seed (germinates easily, can become weedy) Usage: a widely used shade tree or street tree; may be used as an accent tree (for form) if frequently pruned; plant has aggressive root system and is messy Landscape Care: regular is preferred; plant not as drought tolerant as the native Watering oak species Fertilizing as needed; check for chlorosis in wet, clay soils Pruning head high when young, develop primary branch framework Pests/Diseases aphids, sooty mold scale; may get mealy bug in shade Special Conditions/Other Origin: Southern Europe Family: Fagaceae Notes: |
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