Family: Aquifoliaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 125 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ilex
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Mexico, Bahamas, Cuba
Description
The Dahoon is a remarkable plant known for its resilience and adaptability. Scientifically identified as Ilex cassine, it belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. The Dahoon holds a distinguished position both historically and botanically, having been classified as early as 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Native to the southeastern United States, the Dahoon thrives in a variety of landscapes, ranging from the lower coastal plains to inland wetlands. Its range extends beyond the U.S., flourishing as well in Mexico, the Bahamas, and Cuba. This adaptability to different environments highlights the plant’s robustness and versatility.
The Dahoon typically showcases evergreen foliage, contributing to its year-round allure in gardens and natural settings. Its leaves are generally glossy and dark green, providing a striking contrast to its bright red berries that typically appear in the fall and winter months. These vibrant berries not only enhance the plant’s visual appeal but also offer nourishment to a variety of bird species, making the Dahoon an essential part of the local ecosystem.
Beyond its aesthetic value, the Dahoon has been historically significant in various cultures. Indigenous peoples and early settlers recognized its usefulness and employed different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. Though such practices have diminished with the advent of modern medicine, the historical use of the Dahoon remains a fascinating aspect of its cultural heritage.
Overall, the Dahoon (Ilex cassine) stands out as a remarkable species within the Aquifoliaceae family, celebrated for its beauty, ecological importance, and historical significance. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments and support local wildlife makes it a cherished plant in its native regions and beyond.
Common Names
Eng: dahoon, dahoon holly
En: Dahoon, Dahoon holly, Cassena
Nl: Cassena
Vi: Cassena
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Buck Bluff (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2022 by norma linden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 23, 2018 by Donald Huffman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Sam (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by TheLifeOf Brandon (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 15, 2012 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Sam (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by K O (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by TheLifeOf Brandon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Tom Cagle (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 14, 2008 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Riverbanks Outdoor Store from New Port Richey, FL, United States. (cc-by)
Taken Oct 30, 2010 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ebyabe (cc-by)
Taken Oct 15, 2012 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 21, 2022 by RIVER STONE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2022 by Oscar Calinescu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Ani Strand (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 28, 2021 by Milo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ebyabe (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ebyabe (cc-by)
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by TheLifeOf Brandon (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Josh Senften (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:83134-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414255)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ilex cassine L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 3.5