Possumhaw

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Ilex decidua Common names include Possumhaw, Possumhaw Holly, Deciduous Holly, Meadow Holly, Swamp Holly, Prairie Holly, Welk Holly, Bearberry, Winterberry, Deciduous Yaupon Possum haw is a deciduous holly that thrives in a variety of habitats, including limestone glades, bluffs, and damp woodlands along streams, as well as in serene lowland valleys, sloughs, and swamps. This upright shrub typically grows between 7 to 15 feet tall when cultivated and features a spreading, rounded crown. Its narrow glossy, dark green leaves transition to a warm, dull, purplish green or yellow in autumn. Both male and female plants produce small whiteish flowers, and if the female is pollinated, those flowers will develop into vibrant orange-red berries, which ripen in September and persist throughout the winter until mid-March. The berries add winter interest while the shrub is bare of leaves until it begins to refoliate in spring. Possumhaws prefer average, medium moisture soil and full sun to part shade. They are adaptable, thriving in both light and heavy soils, although they prefer moist, acidic, organic soils and can tolerate wet conditions. To enjoy a brilliant show of berries, plant at least one male alongside your female plants for a pollination partnership. Just a heads up—these shrubs tend to make suckers from the base, so a little shaping in early spring or removing any unwanted new growth can help keep them looking their best. Nectar Source: Insects Fruit Food Source: Birds, Small Mammals, Deer Height: 6’-14’Spread: 4’-12’Bloom: MayLight: Full Sun-Dappled ShadeWater: Low Zone: 5-9Origin: North America Show more