Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) – Elegant Evergreen Tree with Bright Red Berries

Bring year-round beauty to your landscape with the Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine), a graceful evergreen tree known for its glossy green leaves, vibrant red berries, and smooth gray bark. This adaptable, moisture-loving holly thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for wetlands, rain gardens, and ornamental plantings.

Key Features:

• Elegant Evergreen Foliage – Features narrow, glossy green leaves that provide lush, year-round greenery.
• Bright Red Berries – Female trees produce clusters of vibrant red berries, attracting birds and enhancing seasonal interest.
• Tolerant of Wet Soils – Thrives in moist, boggy areas, making it ideal for low-lying landscapes and rain gardens.
• Attracts Wildlife – Provides food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects.
• Versatile Landscape Use – Perfect for privacy screens, hedges, ornamental specimens, and naturalized settings.

Product Details:

• Botanical Name: Ilex cassine
• Plant Type: Evergreen Tree
• Mature Height: 15–30 feet
• Mature Width: 8–12 feet
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Pollination: Requires a male pollinator for berry production

Planting Instructions:

• Seed Preparation: Stratify seeds in moist sand for 60–90 days before planting.
• Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil; space trees 8–12 feet apart.
• Germination: Keep soil moist and warm; germination may take 6–12 months.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings once they are well-established and sturdy.

Care & Maintenance:

• Watering: Prefers consistent moisture; water deeply during dry spells.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; shape as needed in late winter or early spring.
• Fertilizing: Apply an acidic, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for best growth.
• General Care: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With its graceful form, attractive foliage, and striking red berries, the Dahoon Holly is an excellent addition to any naturalized garden, wetland area, or ornamental landscape