Dahoon
Ilex cassine
Last reviewed: June 2026
Dahoon (Ilex cassine) is an evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States from Texas to North Carolina. It produces small white flowers in April and May that attract bees and beetles.
Dahoon is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Dahoon is a medium-sized evergreen holly tree with glossy green leaves and small white flowers in spring. Female trees produce bright red berries that persist through winter, providing year-round visual interest.
Growing Dahoon
Grow Dahoon in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dahoon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The red berries are an important food source for songbirds during fall and winter months.
Common questions
- Where does Dahoon naturally grow?
- Dahoon is native to eight southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
- When does Ilex cassine bloom?
- Dahoon blooms in April and May, producing small white flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Dahoon flowers?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Ilex cassine flowers during the spring blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Dahoon prefer?
- Dahoon tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture levels in the soil.
- Is Dahoon toxic to livestock?
- Dahoon is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Dahoon HOA-friendly?
- Dahoon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Dahoon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz