| Dahoon is a rare evergreen holly found at the borders of limesink ponds the southeastern corner of North Carolina. It is similar to the more common Myrtle Dahoon (Ilex myrtifolia), but has broader leaves and longer petioles. Leaves are normally entire, but may have a couple of shallow teeth. Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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| Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Ripening fruits (drupes). When ripe, the drupes are bright red. New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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| This small tree is commonly more commonly seen as an ornamental than in the wild. Here at Carolina Beach State Park is one of the few places it grows in the wild in NC. New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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| Ilex cassine var. cassine is endemic to the southeastern US. Two other varieties are found in Texas and Mexico. New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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| The bark of branches is smooth and pale gray or white, depending on which species of lichens are growing on the bark. New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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| The trunk is usually forked at the base. The bark is smooth and white, broken into shallow longitudinal ridges with age. New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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| New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.
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More information:
Floridata
USDA PLANTS database
Virginia Tech Dendrology
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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