Ilex decidua
possumhaw
Southeastern and south-central United States
Overview
Ilex decidua is a deciduous holly that grows as a large shrub or small tree, typically 12-25 feet (3.6-7.6 m) tall with a spread of 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m). Smooth gray bark and short spur shoots, which bear clustered leaves, mark it among the hollies. Its leaves are spoon-shaped, 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) long, dark green with small rounded teeth, and drop in autumn. The plant is dioecious: only female plants set fruit, and they require a nearby male for pollination. Small greenish-white flowers open in spring, followed on female plants by round berries about 0.25 inch (6 mm) across that ripen orange to red and cling to the bare branches through fall and winter. I. decidua grows in floodplains, swamp margins, and moist woods, and tolerates both wet ground and seasonal drought. The need for a male pollinator to obtain fruit is its main limitation in small gardens. The berries are bitter and persist until birds strip them in late winter. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, from Virginia and Missouri south to Florida and Texas. It grows in river floodplains, swamp edges, bottomland woods, and moist thickets.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen, in shrub borders, rain gardens, and along pond and stream edges for winter berry color. It also serves as a wildlife planting, since the persistent fruit feeds birds into late winter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height12' - 25'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Small greenish-white flowers open in spring, generally March through May, on separate male and female plants. The flowers are inconspicuous and pollinated by bees and other insects. On pollinated female plants, the fruit develops over summer and colors up in fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow I. decidua in full sun to part shade in moist, slightly acidic soil, though it adapts to clay, wet ground, and periods of drought. Set at least one male within roughly 50 feet (15 m) of female plants to ensure berry set. Water young plants through their first seasons until the roots establish. The species suckers from the base and can form thickets, which can be removed to maintain a single trunk. It carries few serious pests, though leaf spot can appear in humid summers. Fruit display is heaviest on plants grown in full sun.Pruning
Prune in late winter while the plant is leafless and the fruit has been taken by birds. Remove crossing or damaged branches and thin basal suckers to keep a tree form. Heavy summer pruning removes the developing berries and should be limited.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter