Quercus ilex or holm oak is an iconic feature of the british countryside its evergreen leaves are glossy and tough on top but pale underneath providing both coverage and variety throughout the year in the spring this foliage is complemented by yellow catkins which gradually develop into quintessential acorns the hardy evergreen tree can be clipped easily making it well suited to hedging almost any area for it continues to flourish despite drought darkness and exposure holly45leaved