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Ilex cassine, Dahoon Holly

Growing well in full sun to partial shade, Dahoon Holly does best on moist soils since the wet, boggy soils of swamps is its native environment. Dahoon Holly can tolerate drier locations with some watering, but often has a thin crown in this environment. It is not recommended in the southern part of its range in a dry, exposed site unless irrigation is provided. Trees attract cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, robbins and many other birds. Trees occur throughout Florida.

Little pruning is needed to create a well-structured, strong tree. Canopy grows to form a fairly open habit. Small diameter branches arise from main stems in a twisted fashion lending a wonderful drooping texture to young and old plants alike. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

It appears to adapt well to the confined spaces of urban and downtown landscapes provided it is supplied with irrigation and is tolerant of some salt spray. The crown is fuller in full sun.

Quad-national champions are 40 x 36, 68 x 31, 42 x 36, and 61 x 34 feet in Florida with trunks to 18 inches thick.