Ilex decidua (Possumhaw)

Ilex decidua (Possumhaw) is a large multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub of spreading, rounded habit with rich silver-gray, twiggy, horizontal branches bearing lustrous, oval, toothed, dark green leaves, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm). They turn purplish green to yellow in the fall, before shedding to the ground. Ilex decidua is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. It produces abundant small greenish-white flowers in spring that are followed by a profusion of attractive bright orange-red berries on pollinated female plants. Extremely showy, they ripen in fall, persist throughout the winter, and enliven the winter landscape unless they are devoured by birds or opossums. Providing excellent year-round interest, Possumhaw is a popular landscape plant that can be used as a specimen, in groupings, or as an informal hedge. Both male and female plants are needed to produce attractive red berries.

• Grows up to 7-15 ft. tall (210-450 cm) and 5-12 ft. wide (150-360 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, acidic soils. The plant enjoys moist soil conditions but can also thrive under fairly dry conditions. Tolerates poor drainage and wet conditions.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or in groupings, hedges. Great near ponds and streams since this plant has some tolerance for wet soils. The red-fruited branches make lovely home decorations.
• No serious pest or disease issue. Keep an eye out for leaf spot and powdery mildew.
• Prune for shape if needed.
• Propagate by seed. Seeds germinate the best if planted immediately after collection.
• Native to the southeastern and central United States.