Stock Photo - Holm oaks (Quercus ilex) Hornachos. Badajoz province. Extremadura. Spain Holm oaks are native to the Mediterranean region, which means they thrive in mild, temperate climates with cool winters and warm summers. In Spain, they are predominantly found in certain provinces in the north and south, like Badajoz and Cantabria. They thrive in dry, warm-to-hot climates with only moderate or low levels of rainfall (no more than 700 mm/year). They prefer well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.5. Holm oaks are usually found in humid but relatively dry places, such as scrublands, grasslands, and open woodland. They are also tolerant of secondary and primary forest environments. They are not drought-tolerant.