Dahoon Holly
Ilex cassine · Evergreen broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Aquifoliaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Street Tree / Native
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (often includes cultivars like 'Lila' or 'Compacta')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11
About This Tree
A small to medium evergreen tree with an upright, rounded to oval crown and dense branching. Known for its smooth, light gray bark and profuse clusters of berries.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, obovate to elliptic leaves, 2 to 4 inches long, with smooth margins or occasional small spiny teeth near the apex, glossy dark green above and paler beneath
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, light gray to whitish-gray, often with subtle mottled patches or lenticels, becoming slightly rougher only on very old trunks
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, coastal plains from Virginia to Texas, and parts of the Caribbean
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; inconspicuous white-green flowers bloom in spring (April to June), followed by bright yellow or red drupes that mature in fall and persist through winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist to wet soils, often found near swamps or stream banks, but adaptable to average well-drained urban soils with supplemental watering during dry periods
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet; moderate growth rate with a lifespan of 40 to 60 years
Special Characteristics
Good tolerance for wet soils and periodic flooding, moderate drought tolerance once established, highly ornamental fruit display, accepts heavy pruning well for hedges or small specimen trees
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential winter food for various songbirds and small mammals through its abundant berries; dense evergreen canopy offers protective nesting sites and cover for wildlife