DAHOON HOLLY
By LYNN ARTZ and SANDY TEDDER
Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) is one of three native hollies at Sopchoppy Depot Park. In the fall and winter, female plants display red, berry-like fruit that appeals to birds and small mammals. This evergreen tree grows 20-30 feet tall in full sun to partial shade. Dahoon holly grows naturally in wetlands and does best in moist soils but can tolerate drier locations with watering. It is a worthy, yet underused, addition to the home landscape. Although very tolerant of pruning, little pruning is needed to shape a strong, nicely structured tree. Dahoon hollies can be found at the northeast and northwest edges of the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park. American holly (Ilex opaca) and yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) are the other two native hollies found in the park.