Oak Leaf™ Holly Tree

Oak Leaf™ Holly Tree is the tree-form catalog selection of the hybrid holly *Ilex* × 'Conaf' (USPP9487P), sold under the Oak Leaf™ name. Its upright, pyramidal evergreen canopy pairs oak-shaped foliage with orange-red fruit that can set without a separate male pollinator. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-oakleaftm-conaf/), [Trees.com product details](https://www.trees.com/products/Oak-Leaf-Holly), and the [plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP9487P/en) document the selection and its garden traits. ## Size and Foliage The exact product listing gives mature dimensions of 10–15 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide. NC State describes plants around 14 feet high, notes some reports up to 20 feet, and lists broader dimensions of 15–20 feet high by 8–15 feet wide, so leave room for larger plants. Oak-shaped, spiny leaves open in bronze, purple, or burgundy tones before maturing to green with a lighter edge. Its evergreen canopy keeps structure through winter. ## Flowers and Fruit Small flowers appear in spring and are cream to greenish yellow. The bisexual flowers can produce orange-red fruit without a separate male holly; the berries mature in fall and can persist into winter. Flowers attract bees, and fruit draws birds. ## Siting Plant in full sun or partial shade. The cultivar grows in acidic soils across clay, high-organic-matter, loam, sand, and shallow rocky textures; the species profile lists good drainage, moist ground, and occasional dry or wet conditions. Use this upright selection as a hedge, screen, border, mass planting, or specimen. Established plants need little supplemental water, though check soil during extended dry spells. ## Maintenance Little pruning is needed, and the plant responds well to shearing when a more formal outline is wanted. Allow for its mature spread when placing it near walks or structures, and account for the spiny foliage during pruning.