Holm Oak

Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)

Common Name(s): Holm Oak, Holly Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus ilex

Distribution: Mediterranean Basin

Tree Size: 65-85 ft (20-25 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .62

Hardness: 1,610 lb_f (7,150 N)

Rupture Strength: No data available*

Elastic Strength: No data available*

Crushing Strength: No data available*

*Values most likely very similar to White Oak

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.6%, Tangential: 8.4%, Volumetric: 13.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.8

Color/Appearance: Has a light to medium brown color, though there can be a fair amount of variation in color.

Grain/Pore: Has medium-to-large pores and a fairly coarse grain.

Durability: Good rot resistance: frequently used in boat-building applications.

Workability: Easy to glue, and takes stain and finishes very well.

Scent: Has a tell-tale smell that is common to most oaks. Most find it appealing.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, oak has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price/Availability: Rarely if ever imported, Holm Oak is likely only available in or around its natural range surrounding the Mediterraenean Basin. Prices are likely to be comparable to other native oaks, such as English Oak.

Comments: The term “holm” oak is another word for “holly,” so named because the foliage of Quercus ilex resembles Holly. (The tree is also sometimes known as Evergreen Oak, since it keeps its leaves year round, with old leaves falling off after the new ones appear. Holm Oak falls into the white oak group, and shares many of the same traits as White Oak (Quercus alba).

Some common uses for Holm Oak include: tools, cabinetry, furniture, wine barrels, turnery, and firewood.

Related Species:

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Bog Oak

Brown Oak

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii)

Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)

Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus)

English Oak (Quercus robur)

Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)

Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)

Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

Post Oak (Quercus stellata)

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)

Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)

Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii)

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris)

Water Oak (Quercus nigra)

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)