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Quercus ilex, Holly Oak

Holly Oak is most often planted in California and Arizona as a street and shade tree. Plants are well adapted to conditions in the desert southwest US, especially if provided with occasional irrigation in the dry season. Foliage on some trees has a holly-like appearance; on other trees foliage has no spines along the margins. Trees are durable and provide lasting shade with some initial pruning to create good structure. Space branches 18 inches or more apart so they can develop a secure hold onto the trunk. Any well-drained soil is suitable provided the pH is not above about 7.5.

This oak is native to the west coast of the US. It is very tolerant of drought . It does well along streets in the western US and could be a candidate for streets in Florida. It should also make a nice shade tree. Oak wood is considered ring porous to semi-ring porous.