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$26.00
Evergreen oak tree from the Eastern Mediterranean, and probably one of the most important of all Mediterranean trees, flourishing from the maritime climate of the Atlantic coast of France across to Albania, Greece and North Africa. It is often found in association with pine, arbutus, carob and pistachio species, and provides a crucial food source for birds, deer and wild boar as well as ecosystem services such as preventing soil erosion.
Generally a broadly spreading tree with a dense crown, it can sometimes have a more columnar appearance, and occasionally forms a large suckering shrub. It has dark green leathery leaves with wavy holly-like margins, which are pubescent on both sides (surfaces are covered in a whitish ‘down’) when emergent, giving a white, woolly effect to new leaf growth in spring. The pubescence then falls away from the upper surface leaving it shiny. The structure of the leaves is designed to help it withstand dry summers and cold winters, by reducing evaporation and reflecting light. Attractive yellow catkins are formed in late spring, followed by the development of acorns in groups of one to three, each up to 3cm long.
Holm oaks can grow to a height of 15-20m but can also be kept clipped as a hedge. They are slow growing but long lived. They are wind-pollinated, and unlike many oak species, they are self-fertile. Frost hardy to -15 degrees.
Deep root 11cm pot Height 30-40cm
Photos: Kahikatea Farm, except catkins Francisco Garin and acorns Quercus ilex, holm oak, holly oak | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Holm oaks are tolerant of a wide range of sites from dry to moist soils, varying pH levels, full sun or part shade. They can withstand heat, drought, exposure, pollution and salt spray – what heros! Very heavy clay or saline soils are not suitable however.
Pruning, if required, is best done outside of frost season, ideally trimming back new growth in late spring or early summer.
Holm oaks can be susceptible to various species of leaf miner, which can cause some unsightly leaves but does not seems to affect their health, so we do not recommend treatment.
Oak is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties due to the tannins. It can be used to treat digestive issues including acute diarrhoea, for inflamed gums, sore throats and ulcers, to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and varicose veins.
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
