{"id":4205,"date":"2011-04-07T19:02:53","date_gmt":"2011-04-08T01:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wood-database.com\/?p=4205"},"modified":"2025-02-17T21:15:33","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T02:15:33","slug":"holm-oak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wood-database.com\/holm-oak\/","title":{"rendered":"Holm Oak"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a> > Hardwoods<\/a> > Fagaceae<\/a> > Quercus <\/a>> <\/strong>ilex\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

DATA SOURCE(S):<\/a> 12,16,36,55,56<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"\"<\/a>
Holm oak (Quercus ilex)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Common Name(s):<\/strong><\/a> Holm oak, encina, evergreen oak, holly oak, azinho<\/p>\n

Scientific Name:<\/strong><\/a> Quercus ilex<\/i><\/p>\n

Distribution:<\/strong><\/a> Native to Mediterranean region; also naturalized in the United Kingdom<\/p>\n

Tree Size:<\/strong><\/a> 65\u201385 ft (20\u201325 m)<\/span> tall,
                     3\u20134 ft (1\u20131.2 m)<\/span> trunk diameter<\/p>\n

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):<\/strong>SPECIFIC GRAVITY<\/b>
Specific gravity is the ratio of a wood\u2019s density to water (with water being 1.00). Two values are provided: basic SG (oven-dry weight & green volume) and SG at 12% MC (weight & volume at 12% moisture content).

Click on the link “Specific Gravity” for more details.<\/span><\/a> 0.78, 0.96<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Average Dried Weight:<\/strong>AVERAGE DRIED WEIGHT<\/b>
\nDensity is the measurement of a wood\u2019s weight per unit volume. Here, \"dried weight\" specifically refers to wood at 12% moisture content, and values are given in pounds per cubic foot and kilograms per cubic meter. Also keep in mind that density commonly varies by +\/- 10% from the average.
\n
\nClick on the link \"Average Dried Weight\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 60.0 lbs\/ft3<\/sup> (960 kg\/m3<\/sup>)<\/span> High WEIGHT TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>     0+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nVery Low:<\/b>   420+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nLow:<\/b>   520+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nMedium-Low:<\/b>   620+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nMedium:<\/b>   730+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nMedium-High:<\/b>   840+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nHigh:<\/b>   960+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nVery High:<\/b> 1,080+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 1,200+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO provisional strength groupings (SD1-SD8) based on density.<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Janka Hardness:<\/strong>JANKA HARDNESS<\/b>
\nThis test measures a wood\u2019s resistance to indentation, and is the pounds of force (or Newtons) required to embed a .444\" (11.28 mm) diameter steel ball halfway into the wood. Values are for side grain, measured at 12% MC.
\n
\nClick on the link \"Janka Hardness\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 2,590 lbf<\/sub> (11,520 N)<\/span>* High JANKA HARDNESS TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>      0+ N
\nVery Low:<\/b>  2,050+ N
\nLow:<\/b>  3,150+ N
\nMedium-Low:<\/b>  4,480+ N
\nMedium:<\/b>  6,280+ N
\nMedium-High:<\/b>  8,380+ N
\nHigh:<\/b> 11,080+ N
\nVery High:<\/b> 14,000+ N
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 17,450+ N
\n<\/span> Tiers are derived from CSIRO provisional strength classifications (SD1-SD8) in conjunction with the USDA's estimated hardness based on density.<\/i> <\/span> <\/span>
\n*Estimated hardness based on specific gravity.<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Modulus of Rupture:<\/strong>MODULUS OF RUPTURE<\/b>
\nSometimes called bending strength, this test measures a wood\u2019s strength before breaking (i.e., rupturing). Values are given in pounds of force per square inch and megapascals, measured at 12% MC.
\n
\nClick on the link \"Modulus of Rupture\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 21,220 lbf<\/sub>\/in2<\/sup> (146.4 MPa)<\/span> Very High MOR TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>   0+ MPa
\nVery Low:<\/b>  45+ MPa
\nLow:<\/b>  55+ MPa
\nMedium-Low:<\/b>  65+ MPa
\nMedium:<\/b>  78+ MPa
\nMedium-High:<\/b>  94+ MPa
\nHigh:<\/b> 110+ MPa
\nVery High:<\/b> 130+ MPa
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 150+ MPa
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO strength classifications (SD1-SD8).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Elastic Modulus:<\/strong>MODULUS OF ELASTICITY<\/b>
\nThis test measures the wood\u2019s level of deformation when under a given load. Higher values indicate less deformation (i.e., stiffer). Values are given in pounds of force per square inch and gigapascals, measured at 12% MC.
\n
\nClick on the link \"Elastic Modulus\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 1,945,000 lbf<\/sub>\/in2<\/sup> (13.41 GPa)<\/span> Medium MOE TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>    0+ GPa
\nVery Low:<\/b>  7.9+ GPa
\nLow:<\/b>  9.1+ GPa
\nMedium-Low:<\/b> 10.5+ GPa
\nMedium:<\/b> 12.5+ GPa
\nMedium-High:<\/b> 14.0+ GPa
\nHigh:<\/b> 16.0+ GPa
\nVery High:<\/b> 18.5+ GPa
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 21.5+ GPa
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO strength classifications (SD1-SD8).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Crushing Strength:<\/strong>CRUSHING STRENGTH<\/b>
\nAlso called compression strength, this test measures the maximum stress sustained before failure. Force is applied parallel<\/i> to the grain (producing stress akin to chair legs). Values are given in pounds of force per square inch and megapascals, measured at 12% MC.
\n
\nClick on the link \"Crushing Strength\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 8,840 lbf<\/sub>\/in2<\/sup> (61.0 MPa)<\/span> High CRUSHING STRENGTH TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>  0+ MPa
\nVery Low:<\/b> 30+ MPa
\nLow:<\/b> 36+ MPa
\nMedium-Low:<\/b> 41+ MPa
\nMedium:<\/b> 47+ MPa
\nMedium-High:<\/b> 54+ MPa
\nHigh:<\/b> 61+ MPa
\nVery High:<\/b> 70+ MPa
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 80+ MPa
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO strength classifications (SD1-SD8).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Shrinkage:<\/strong>SHRINKAGE<\/b>
\nThese values represent the percentage change in radial and tangential faces of the wood\u2014as well as the total (volumetric) shrinkage\u2014as the moisture content goes from green (maximum) down to oven-dry (minimum), approximating the wood's stability with changes in humidity. T\/R ratio helps to estimate the uniformity of the shrinkage across different wood faces.
\n
\nClick on the link \"Shrinkage\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> Radial: 4.5%, Tangential: 6.7%<\/span> High SHRINKAGE TIERS<\/b>
\n Very Low:<\/b>   0%+   
\nLow:<\/b> 3.6%+   
\nMedium:<\/b> 5.1%+   
\nHigh:<\/b> 6.6%+   
\nVery High:<\/b> 8.1%+   
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on tangential shrinkage (green to oven-dry) from CSIRO shrinkage classifications (1-5).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span>\n
                          Volumetric: 18.6%, T\/R Ratio: 1.5<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

 <\/i>More Images<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

 <\/i>Identification<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

IUCN Status:<\/b><\/a>
Least Concern<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

CITES Status:<\/b><\/a>
Unlisted<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n

Color\/Appearance:<\/strong><\/a> Medium reddish brown, generally darker in color than other common European oaks such as Quercus robur<\/em><\/a> or Q. petrea<\/em><\/a>. Most pieces of holm oak lack annual earlywood pore rings but have wider, more pronounced rays, leading to strong ray fleck on quarter sawn surfaces, as well as conspicuous rays appearing as darker reddish lines even on rift and flat sawn surfaces. Since Holm oak typically lacks clearly delineated growth rings, figure like cathedral grain is mostly absent and isn’t enhanced much by applying a pigment stain.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Grain\/Texture:<\/a> <\/strong>Grain tends to be irregular and interlocked. Since holm oak is commonly diffuse porous, the grain and texture tends to be more uniform than other oaks. Good natural luster.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Rot Resistance:<\/a> <\/strong>Good rot resistance.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Workability:<\/strong><\/a> Generally difficult to work on account of both its density and also the irregular grain. Also, the wood dries very slowly and has a tendency to warp and check during drying. However, holm oak glues and finishes well.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Odor:<\/a> <\/strong>Has a tell-tale smell that is common to most oaks. Most find it appealing.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Allergies\/Toxicity:<\/strong><\/a> Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, oak has been reported as a sensitizer.<\/a> Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation, as well as asthma-like symptoms. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity<\/a> and Wood Dust Safety<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Pricing\/Availability:<\/strong><\/a> Due to the tree’s somewhat twisted growth pattern, as well as the wood’s high density and difficulty in drying, holm oak isn’t really a commercial species of oak. It’s likely only available in very limited sizes and quantities in or around its natural range surrounding the Mediterranean Basin. It’s more common to see this wood sold locally as firewood.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Sustainability:<\/strong><\/a> This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Common Uses:<\/strong><\/span> Tool handles, knife scales, parquet flooring, turned objects, and firewood.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Comments:<\/strong><\/span> The term “holm” is another word for holly, so named because the foliage of Quercus ilex<\/em> resembles holly. Indeed, in an unusual chicken-and-egg precedent, this oak species was classically referred to in Latin as ilex,<\/em>[1]<\/sup><\/a>Pliny<\/span>.\u00a0Natural History, Volume IV: Book 6, Section 87.<\/i><\/em><\/a>\u00a0Translated by\u00a0H. Rackham<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Loeb Classical Library 370. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1945.<\/span><\/span>