Operation
NICE! plant of the season
Winter 2008
Perennial: Possumhaw holly (Ilex decidua)
Photo: by Lon Turnbull
Description: Possumhaw, Ilex
decidua, is native to the southeastern US, ranging from Maryland to
Florida and west to Texas and Mexico. This beautiful small tree
grows 15 to 25 feet tall. It has a bushy habit and can reach up
to a 15 foot spread. Possumhaw is deciduous, losing its leaves in
the fall. For the female trees, this reveals the yellow to orange
to bright red berries that cover the trees all winter.
Berries: Possumhaw starts to
make berries in the summer which turn color in the fall. The
berries are the most distinctive feature of the plant by November, when
Possumhaw starts to shed its leaves. Most female Possumhaw trees
are covered with berries, making a wonderful fall and winter
display.
Planting sites: Possumhaw can
be planted in full sun to shade. Although in full sun it will
have more berries and growth will be more vigorous, Possumhaw also does
well as an understory tree. It grows well in most types of soil,
from acid to alkaline, from dry to a bit damp. Do not plant
Possumhaw where it might experience “wet feet” or it may
rot.
Watering Instructions:
Possumhaw should be watered well immediately after planting and then
every 2-3 weeks during the first growing season if there is no
rain. Like most native trees and plants, Possumhaw should not be
over-watered. After the first growing season, Possumhaw
should survive with existing rainfall because it is very drought
tolerant, but may be watered during prolonged drought.
Comments: Possumhaw is
gorgeous for the winter, adding colorful interest to North Texas
gardens. There are a number of named Possumhaw cultivars
including Warren's Red, Council Fire and Byer's Golden – these do
not breed true from seed from the berries, so purchase them from a
nursery. To be sure of a female tree, choose one at a nursery in the
fall or winter when the berries are present. Male trees must be
in the vicinity for a female tree to have berries; fortunately male
trees abound in North Texas, so this is not an issue. Possumhaw can
become quite dense; it can be pruned at any time of year if it becomes
too thick. Possumhaw’s dense habit is a plus, because
branches with the bright berries are especially welcome in winter
floral arrangements. You may expect many requests for branches of
berries. Birds are also attracted to the berries.
Look for the NICE! Plant of the Season signs and information sheets on
your next visit to a participating
North Texas nursery. Thank
you for using native plants in your landscapes.
Written by: Dr. Rebecca Dickstein, Professor of Biology, University of
North Texas.
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Last noted update by
Lon: March 19, 2009.