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Possumhaw Holly
Possumhaw Holly
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Ilex decidua
Possumhaw Holly Tree
The Possumhaw Holly is a striking native tree that lights up the winter landscape with clusters of bright red berries clinging to bare branches. This deciduous holly offers year-round interest, with glossy green foliage in summer, vibrant fall color, and unmatched visual appeal in the colder months after its leaves drop.
Drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly, and low-maintenance, the Possumhaw is perfect for naturalized borders, rain gardens, and winter focal points.
Possumhaw Holly Tree Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
🌿 Botanical Name |
Ilex decidua |
|
🏷️ Common Names |
Possumhaw, Deciduous Holly |
|
🌳 Mature Height |
7–15 feet (can reach 20 ft in ideal conditions) |
|
🌐 Mature Width |
6–12 feet |
|
📈 Growth Rate |
Moderate (12–24 inches per year) |
|
⏳ Lifespan |
40–75+ years |
|
🧊 USDA Zones |
5–9 |
|
❄️ Chill Hours |
400–600 hours |
|
☀️ Sun Preference |
Full sun to partial shade (best fruiting in full sun) |
|
🧱 Soil Type |
Moist, well-drained loam or clay |
|
⚖️ Soil pH |
Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
|
💧 Water Needs |
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
|
🌸 Flower Color |
Small white-green blooms; late spring |
|
🍒 Fruit Type |
Bright red berries in fall/winter; persist into spring |
|
🐝 Pollinators |
Attracts bees and beneficial insects |
|
🌿 Growth Habit |
Upright, multi-trunked or single-stemmed |
|
↔️ Spacing |
6–10 ft apart for natural hedging or accents |
|
🏡 Landscape Uses |
Winter focal point, wildlife garden, rain garden, borders |
|
🧹 Maintenance Level |
Very low |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Offers nectar for bees and pollinators in late spring
🍒 Produces winter berries critical for birds and wildlife
🌿 Supports native ecosystems while needing minimal care
🌧️ Performs well in riparian areas and helps control erosion
Pros & Cons
|
✅ Pros |
⚠️ Cons |
|
🍒 Stunning winter berries on bare branches |
🧬 Requires both male and female plants for fruit production |
|
🐦 Excellent food source for birds and small mammals |
🍇 Berries are not edible for humans |
|
🌿 Hardy, adaptable, and drought-tolerant |
✂️ Occasional pruning may be needed for shaping |
|
🧹 Very low maintenance with high ornamental value |
🕳️ Needs good drainage; avoid overly compacted soils |
|
🌞 Thrives in sun and part shade; fits many landscapes |
🐛 May attract scale insects if stressed |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply at planting and during dry spells for first year
🕳️ Dig a wide hole, keeping root crown at soil level
🌾 Mulch 2–3 inches deep, avoiding direct contact with trunk
💦 Water occasionally once established in dry seasons
✂️ Prune in late winter or early spring for structure
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with compost or holly-specific blend
The Possumhaw Holly is a showstopping native tree that brings brilliance to the winter months while supporting local wildlife. Whether used as a specimen tree, natural screen, or part of a native planting scheme, it offers unmatched seasonal interest with virtually no fuss.
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