Cassine Ilex cassine

Ilex cassine, or Dahoon, is a native holly that tolerates wet and shady sites and is moderately salt tolerant; however, it is not winter hardy and does not tolerate the cold. It is a small tree 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. Dahoon is relatively rare and may be difficult to find.

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 the plant produces a nice fruit set in fall and winter.  Dahoon is dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). It is pollinated by bees and the plant is not self-fertile. It is a worthwhile and underused selection for the home landscape.

Dahoon 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.

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.