The Dahoon Holly is one of several species of plants
whose male and female flowers are on separate plants. Because of this, only the female
plants will bare the bright red berries for which the holly is well known.
Description
This small tree grows to be 20 - 30 feet tall and up to 15 feet
wide. The trunk can reach up to one and ½ feet in diameter.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate, simple, and may be oblanceolate,
elliptic, or ovate in shape. Each leaf may be two to four inches long, green and shiny on
the top and, pubescent on the bottom. The leaves are leathery and have sharp teeth near
the end of the leaf.
Flowers
This tree is deciduous. The white flowers measure 3/16 of an inch
wide and form clusters in the leaf axils. Dahoon Holly blooms in the spring.
Fruit
The fruit is a berry that may be orange, red or yellow. Fruit
occurs in groups of one to three and ripens by late fall.
Bark
The bark is gray in color, and may be smooth or warty. Lichens are
often found growing on the bark.
Landscape usage
Dahoon Holly is a popular specimen tree for its bright berries. It
requires moist soils and is salt-spray tolerant. The fruit of this tree is used by
wildlife as a food source and, the tree for nesting and for cover.
Interesting fact
Roasted leaves may be used to brew a non-caffeinated tea.
