Tree
Dahoon Holly
Ilex cassine
Varieties We Carry
StandardIlex cassineTensawIlex cassine
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$24.95
15 galFrom$125.00
30 galFrom$425.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size20-30 feet × 8-12 feet
About Dahoon Holly
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) is a native evergreen tree of the southeastern United States and South Florida, featuring narrow, lance-shaped leaves with few teeth and abundant clusters of small red or orange-red berries that persist through winter. It is naturally found in swamps and wet flatwoods and is an excellent wildlife plant for moist landscape settings. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Clay, Loam, Acidic, Wet, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Dahoon Holly grows well in full sun to partial shade. Best berry production occurs in full sun; it tolerates partial shade but may develop a thinner crown in drier, more exposed sites without supplemental irrigation.
Water
Native to swamps and wet flatwoods, Dahoon Holly prefers consistently moist to wet soil. It tolerates drier landscape sites with regular supplemental irrigation, but performs best with high soil moisture year-round.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to a wide range of soils including sandy, clay, loam, and wet sites; prefers moist, acidic conditions. Minimal fertilization needed — apply a slow-release acid-forming fertilizer in spring if growth is sparse.
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Common questions
Is Dahoon Holly a good plant for St. Augustine?
Dahoon Holly is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 20-30 feet × 8-12 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.