Possumhaw
Ilex decidua

Hardy to Zone 5
Bloom Time - Early spring
Fruit - red, orange, yellow-orange, or pale yellow berries, throughout fall and winter (on female plants)
Foliage - Dark green, oval to oblong with rounded tips
Size - Anywhere from 8'-20' ft. in height, 6'-10' ft. wide
Exposure - Sun to partial shade
Soil - Not picky, will tolerate wet soils
Pruning - Prune to shape

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) makes a dazzling addition to the winter garden.

A deciduous holly, the dark green leaves turn bright yellow in the fall and shed before brilliant red-orange berries appear in November or December. The berries persist throughout winter. Only the female plants produce berries and they must be pollinated by either a male variety or a male American Holly (Ilex opaca). Birds and small mammals are attracted to the fruit but they are not favorites and are not the first eaten.

Possumhaw can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide and can be grown as a shrub or a tree. Pruning can enhance plants and training into a multi-trunked small trees can be very attractive.

Possumhaw is easy to grow and prefer moist, acidic soil but they tolerate alkaline soils equally well. They are also tolerant of wet conditions. There are many varieties available. "Warren's Red" (shown at right) is a popular selection. Others include "Council Fire", "Sentry", and "Red Cascade".

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