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Ilex cassine
Ilex cassine L.
Dahoon
Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ilca
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), PR (I)
Dahoon is typically a small, evergreen tree, 20-30 ft. high and 8-15 ft. wide. Stiff, oval, evergreen leaves are a glossy, medium-green. The greenish-white, axillary flowers are inconspicuous, while the 1/4 in. diameter fruits, some persisting until spring, range from bright-red to bright-yellow and can be produced in great quantities.
Planted as an ornamental for the evergreen foliage and profuse red fruit used in Christmas decorations. The common name apparently is of American Indian origin.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall.
Leaf: Dark Green
Fruit: Although technically drupes, the fruit is commonly referred to as berries.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TXNative Distribution: Coastal Plain from NC to e. TX
Native Habitat: Moist woods; cypress ponds; marsh margins; bays
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Hybrids between this species and I. opaca occur naturally in the wild. Popular garden selections have been made from these hybrids.
Propagation
Description: Seeds germinate best if planted immediately after collection. They may be pretreated with double-stratification but the essential element seems to be time. Once internal conditions in the seed are right (it may take years), it will germinate in warm moiSeed Treatment: Some benefit may be obtained from 30-60 days treatment at 68-86 degrees followed by 60-90 days of 41 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | UPL | FACW | FAC | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Wellspring Organic Farm and Education Center - West Bend, WI
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Ilex cassine in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ilex cassine in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ilex cassine
Metadata
Record Modified: 2017-11-09Research By: TWC Staff