Ilex cassine (local female)

Evergreen tree with a narrow growth habit of upward pointing branches, 20-30’ tall.   'St. Tammany' and 'Tchefuncte' are red-fruited female selections found near Covington, LA.   'Tensaw' was selected by Tom Dodd III for its rounded habit, wide green leaves and red berries.  'Tensaw' makes a very dense screen but doesn't get as tall as the species.  Dahoon Holly is covered with bright red berries in winter; foliage and fruit are often used in Christmas decorations.   This holly has a broad oval form that is clean and neat in appearance, and can be easily trimmed for narrow spaces.  The linear leaves are yellow-green in color and contrast well against darker evergreens.  Adaptable to most conditions from full sun to deep shade. Likes light sandy soil; native of swamps and boggy areas, can adapt to drier situations if watered during dry periods.