Ilex cassine

Dahoon is a holly native to southern North America and the Caribbean. It is a small tree in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae) native to the moist woods of the coastal plains, typically found uncultivated in swamps and in rich moist soils. Occasionally it is also found on high sandy banks of pine barren streams. The species epithet is likely taken from an indigenous common name for this plant.

Dahoon tolerates wet and shady sites and is moderately salt tolerant; however, it is not winter hardy and does not tolerate the cold. It will grow in full sun or partial shade and prefers a moist site and acidic soil. The plant does not do well when its roots are disturbed, so you should place the plants into their permanent positions and provide some winter protection for their first year or two. Flowers are produced on the current year's growth. The plant is very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back to old wood if required.

Dahoon is somewhat shrubby and dense with red berries and gray bark and while it grows up to 20 to 30 feet in the wild, it is usually smaller in the landscape. The foliage lacks the prominent spines or teeth of the American holly, and female plants produce colorful fruits in fall and winter. Like all hollies, dahoon is dioecious, so both male and female plants must be grown if fruits are required. It is pollinated by bees. 

It is a worthwhile and underused selection for the home landscape. It can be used in native gardens, winter gardens, or as a trimmed subject in an English garden. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Dahoon is relatively pest and disease-free.

Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

More information on Ilex.