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Ilex decidua (Possumhaw holly)

Ilex decidua Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ilex decidua EYE-leks dee-SID-yew-ah Common Name: Possumhaw holly Genus: Ilex
While the fresh green leaves and smooth, light gray stems are enough to make possumhaw holly an attractive shrub, the appeal of this plant is more evident in late fall. Bunches of small berries form along the branches and turn bright red as the leaves fall off. Only female plants bear fruit (plant at least one male plant for best berry production), which finally becomes palatable to wildlife in the early spring. Possumhaw tends to sucker from the roots, so it's best to allow it to form a multitrunk screen.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Bright red berries in fall and winter. U.S. native.
 Care: Provide full sun to partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
 Problems: Nothing serious, but watch for the occasional leaf spots or powdery mildew.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.;6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.;6 ft. to 10 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Native; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Waterside
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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