This evergreen large shrub or small tree is native to swamps and bogs of the southeastern coast of the US from Virginia to southeast Texas, south to Veracruz, Mexico, and to Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas. It is a member of the Aquifoliaceae, a plant family made up entirely of over 560 species of Ilex (holly). The tree grows 20-30′ tall and has gray bark and dark green glossy leaves that are 2-3″ long with a few small spines near the tip. In spring, inconspicuous white male and female flowers appear on different plants. Pollinated female flowers give way to small fleshy red or yellow berries, called drupes, that persist into winter and are attractive to birds and small mammals. In addition, the berries with foliage are excellent in the vase. Dahoon holly is used as a screen, hedge, container plant, and specimen tree. It is a good choice for native plant, bog, wildlife, bird, and rain gardens. The genus name, Ilex, is the Latin name for holm oak. The specific epithet, cassine, is the American Indian name for a plant with similar fruit.
Type: Evergreen large shrub or small tree
Outstanding Feature: Foliage, fruit
Form: Oval to pyramidal canopy
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom: Inconspicuous male and female flowers on different plants in spring
Size: 20-30′ H x 10-15′ W
Light: Full sun, part shade
Soil: Average, moist to wet, acidic
Hardiness: Zones 7-11
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed (after 2-3 years of dormancy), cuttings
Outstanding Selections: None available
Photo Credit: Stephen B Calvert Wikimedia Commons
Karen Meyers