Quercus ilex, Holm Oak

Quercus ilex is a slow growing evergreen tree with rounded shape which can reach 25m in height. The tree can succeed in almost all types of soil but prefers a good fertile loam and cannot tolerate cold and poorly drained soils. This Holm Oak is growing on a very sunny spot in the Botanical Gardens of Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary. The tree looks very overgrown but the very slow growth might explain why it has not been trimmed to any form. So far numerous young shoots are appearing from everywhere. It has a south exposure and is protected by the gardens wall from north. Interesting about this tree is that a mulch from its leaves repels slugs. This Holme Oak grows in very well drained soil on a slight incline which can help for additional drainage of the water. There is a generous space between it and the other neighboring trees. Only some small ornamental grasses grow closer to it. Holm Oak is very ornamental tree and it tolerates maritime exposure. 

It can be used in hedges and shelterbelts. 

In this case the tree has ornamental and mainly educational function.