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Holly Oak, Holm Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus ilex L.
Synonym: Quercus smilax, Quercus sempervirens, Quercus montserratensis , Quercus marcetti
Family: Fagaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 4-24 USDA: 8b-11 Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Mediterranean Basin Growth Habits: Evergreen tree, 33 to 80 feet tall (10-24 m), or more, 25 feet spread (7.5 m); blackish, scaly bark; dark green leaves, rough looking, 1.2 to 2.8 inches long (3-7 cm), with a smooth to serrate margin, lighter pubescent underside Watering Needs: Little water, likes lime content in the soil, tolerates drought Propagation: Fresh seeds, don't let the acorns dry out If the acorns are not fresh, they need to be stratified for at least a month

Blooming Habits:
Monoecious, it blooms in late spring. The male flowers are golden catkins, 1.6 to 2.8 inches long (4-7 cm)

Fruiting Habits:
Oblong acorn, 0.6 to 1.2 inches long (1.5-3 cm), cup covering a third to one half of the fruit.