Quercus ilex
Quercus ilex

This plant was assessed as Lower Risk in our Research Portal. You can conduct your own research on this or other plants by creating a free login to the portal.

Lower Risk
Naturalised in a similar climateProduces copious viable seed or propagulesReproduces and spreads vegetatively

Quercus ilex (Holm Oak, Evergreen Oak)

This slow-growing evergreen tree is native to the Mediterranean region and has been in the ornamental plant trade in Australia since 1806. The species is noted as having become naturalised in Australia possibly in SA and the ACT, but no evidence supports this. There is no evidence to show that the species is invasive in any part of the world. The plant is noted as poisonous to cattle. Quercus ilex is capable of reproducing both vegetatively and sexually. It produces large quantities of acorns which are dispersed by small mammals and birds. There is a high degree of climate similarity between its native range and parts of NSW.