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Holly Oak

Quercus ilexfam. Fagaceae
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Quercus ilex (Holly Oak) — botanical photograph
Pl. 72A6 — Quercus ilex
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I

Overview

Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) is a deciduous tree native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, including Assam, China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Holly Oak is hardy in zones 4-10 and can grow up to 25 meters tall. Known for its ornamental value, this tree is also an edible source, with its seeds being used as a food and oil. Additionally, Holly Oak has been utilized for its medicinal properties, though caution should be exercised when using it as a remedy. The tree's versatility extends to its utility as an animal feed, fire starter, hedgerow, and for producing oil, tannin, and lumber. Its adaptability and ornamental beauty make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes in its native range and beyond.

Quick answers

What is Holly Oak?

Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) is a deciduous tree native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, including Assam, China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Compare with:American Turkey Oak→Black Oak→Black ridge oak→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
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Energizing Blend
focus
tincture
Traditionally used to enhance mental clarity and focus.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-10. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. This evergreen tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and is native to areas including Assam, China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-10
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Holly Oak for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Holly Oak in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young saplings, potting mix if container growing.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant seeds in spring or fall when the weather is mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light, medium, or heavy as needed.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant young saplings.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun, regular watering, especially during dry spells, and occasional pruning for shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Holly Oak is not typically harvested for food.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without drainage, neglecting sun exposure.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil, Coffee
Other uses:Animal feedFire starterHedgerowoilWind breakerTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

26 native · 5 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 26 native· 5 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (7)AlbaniaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpainSwitzerland
introduced (3)CyprusUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia7 regions
native (7)ChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarThailandTurkeyVietnam
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaTunisia
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Hainan, Kriti, Yugoslavia
introduced:New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Quercus ilex (Holly Oak) — botanical photograph
Holly Oak (Quercus ilex)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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