DAHOON HOLLY
Dahoon holly is a captivating marvel in any landscape, whether it’s meticulously clipped into a majestic tall screen or allowed to flourish naturally as a graceful single-trunked tree. This stunning plant can soar up to 40 feet, though it often graces us with its presence at 20 to 30 feet, spreading its lush beauty across an 8 to 12-foot expanse. Its smooth, glossy dark green evergreen leaves are a sight to behold, each two to three inches long with charming serrations near the tip. The magic of dahoon holly truly comes alive when you plant both male and female specimens together; this ensures the enchanting display of brilliant red berries in fall and winter—a vibrant feast for wildlife! While these berries may be less abundant than those on East Palatka or Fosters holly, their allure is undeniable and adds an irresistible touch of nature’s splendor.
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 8 to 12 feet
Crown Uniformity: irregular
Crown Shape: pyramidal, oval
Crown Density: open
Growth Rate: moderate
Texture: medium
Light Requirement: full sun to partial shade
Soil Tolerances: clay; sand; loam; slightly alkaline; acidic; wet to well-drained
Drought Tolerance: moderate
Aerosol Salt Tolerance: moderate
Dahoon holly is a resilient and adaptable tree that truly flourishes in environments ranging from full sun to partial shade. Its preference for moist soils reflects its origins in the wet, boggy terrains of swamps, where it feels most at home. While it can bravely withstand drier conditions with occasional watering, this may lead to a thinner crown. In the southern parts of its range, it’s important to avoid planting in dry and exposed sites unless irrigation is available to support its needs. This wonderful tree serves beautifully as both a specimen or street tree and excels at naturalizing in moist settings. With minimal pruning required, it develops into a robust and well-structured form effortlessly. Dahoon holly shows remarkable adaptability to the confined spaces typical of urban landscapes and demonstrates resilience against some salt spray exposure, achieving an even fuller crown when nurtured under full sunlight’s embrace.