Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Moderate to high water needs. Water 2-3x per week during establishment (12-18 months). After establishment, 1-2x per week in dry season. Tolerates periodic flooding — excellent for wet areas, rain gardens, and pond edges. SFWMD drought exempt as Florida native.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Acid-forming slow-release tree fertilizer or azalea formula in alkaline soils
Schedule: February. Acid-forming slow-release fertilizer in alkaline soils. Chelated iron if chlorosis observed.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 20–30 ft
- Mature Width
- 10–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 5/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 4/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Dahoon Holly at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Dahoon Holly grow in South Florida?
Dahoon Holly has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Dahoon Holly safe for pets?
Dahoon Holly is not safe for pets. Berries are toxic to dogs — cause vomiting and GI distress if ingested in quantity. Small red berries are visually attractive to animals and children. Not recommended for landscapes where dogs roam freely under the tree during berry season (December-January).
How much water does Dahoon Holly need in South Florida?
Moderate water needs (5/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.
Can Dahoon Holly tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Dahoon Holly has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is Dahoon Holly available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Dahoon Holly is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Broward County native landscape and rain garden applications.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Florida native — protected. Good for Palm Beach County wetland-edge and native landscape requirements.
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Florida native — protected. Very common in Collier County's Corkscrew area and Everglades buffer zones.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Florida native — protected but less common in Monroe County. Freshwater requirements and lower salt tolerance limit Keys applications.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Dahoon Holly
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.