QUERCUS ilex

Evergreen - very variable leaves. Usually oblong-ovate to lance-shaped, entire or toothed, glossy, dark green to 8cm (3in) long, grey-hairy beneath and silvery grey when young.

Height - 25m (82ft)

Spread - 20m (66ft)

Tree - smooth, dark grey bark. Produces oblong-ovoid to nearly rounded acorns, solitary or in groups of 2 or 3.

Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) - young trees susceptible to frost

Full sun

Partial shade

Additional Features - Pests & Diseases - - aphids, gall wasps, oak wilt, honey fungus, powdery mildew, bracket fungus

Place of origin - southwestern Europe

Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept -

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil -

Tree Shape - Rounded to broadly spreading -