Holm Oak
Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)
- Diameter: 1.40 meters, Height: 8 metres
- Age (Estimated) 150 - 200 years
- Crown spread: North - 5 metres, East - 6.5 metres, South - 6 metres, West - 6 metres
Upton House built by Christopher Spurrier in 1816 is home to many large, unusual, exotic and fascinating trees and it is worth a visit to enjoy them.
A native of Southern Asia, North Africa and the South of Europe, the Holm Oak which was introduced to Britain in 1580, thrives close to the sea shore where no other European Oak would flourish. It is a very drought resistant tree which flowers in May with the resulting acorns not ripening until the Autumn of the second year and lasting for approximately three years before falling.
The name Holm Oak, comes from the trees leathery, holly like leaves and is notable for retaining its lower branches so that its appearance even when fully grown, is that of an immense bush rather than a timber tree. Often used as an evergreed hedge they provide excellent screening and wind breaks, although some specimens will grow up to 20 metres.
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