Dahoon Holly
(Ilex cassine)
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
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Judy Gallagher
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Judy Gallagher
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Judy Gallagher | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Judy Gallagher | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-01-23T17:05:48-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ilex cassine, commonly known as Dahoon Holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to wetlands, swamps, and moist forests along the southeastern coast of the United States, extending into the Caribbean. It typically grows to a height of up to 43 feet (13 meters) and is characterized by its glossy, elliptical leaves and slender form. Dahoon Holly produces small white flowers in the spring, which are relatively inconspicuous, followed by bright red drupes that persist into winter and are quite showy, especially against the dark green foliage. Dioecious in nature, both male and female plants are required for fruit production.
Dahoon Holly is valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly its berries which attract birds and other wildlife. It is often used in residential and commercial landscapes for screening and as a specimen plant. This species thrives in acidic, moist to wet soils and can tolerate occasional flooding, making it suitable for riparian plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and may require pruning to maintain a desired shape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Dahoon Holly is valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly its berries which attract birds and other wildlife. It is often used in residential and commercial landscapes for screening and as a specimen plant. This species thrives in acidic, moist to wet soils and can tolerate occasional flooding, making it suitable for riparian plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and may require pruning to maintain a desired shape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, swamps, and moist forests along the southeastern coast of the United States, extending into Mexico and the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Dahoon Holly , Cassine Holly
Scientific Names: Ilex cassine , Ilex aquifolium subsp. carolinianum , Ilex cassine var. cassine , Ilex cassine var. chiapensis , Ilex dahoon var. grandiflora
GBIF Accepted Name: