Holm oak
Quercus ilex
Also called Evergreen oak and Holly oak
Garden plant · TreesThe best evergreen windbreak there is on a salty coast, and the leaves on a young tree are spiny like holly while the ones higher up are not. Same tree, same year.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — an average winter RHS H4, to -10°C
- Size
- 20 m tall · 15 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- The Mediterranean
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, horses.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.