Quercus ilex HOLM OAK
BROADLEAF
EVERGREEN
FULL SUN
NATIVE
HIGH DROUGHT TOLERANCE
H: 40FT W: 20FT
Holm oak, or holly oak, is native to the Mediterranean and now naturalized along the West Coast. This tree features dense, leathery green leaves that are spiny when young and smooth with age. Small acorns enclosed in scaly cups provide a food source for wildlife. Holm oak grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 8–12 inches per year. It thrives in challenging conditions, including coastal salt spray, shade, and urban pollution. It plays a crucial role in truffle cultivation, forming a mycorrhizal relationship with fungi such as the prized French black truffle which cannot grow without this symbiotic connection.
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online