Cassine, Dahoon, Cassine Holly

Ilex cassine

Physical Characteristics

Ilex cassine is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to February. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The dried roasted leaves can be used as a tea substitute[161, 177]. Some caution is advised since it can cause dizziness and have a laxative effect[183].

Medicinal Uses

Emetic Hypnotic Laxative The leaves are hypnotic and laxative[183, 192]. A strong decoction of the plant was used by some native North American Indian tribes to induce vomiting. This was seen partly as a physical and partly a spiritual cleansing[257].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274].