Ilex decidua

Common Names

Possum-Haw, Possumhaw, Swamp Holly

Summary

Ilex decidua, commonly called possumhaw holly, is a native deciduous shrub or small tree in the Aquifoliaceae family, typically around 12–20 ft tall with a 6–12 ft spread, featuring glossy dark green leaves and small white flowers in spring; female plants produce bright orange-red berries that persist through winter, providing striking color and a winter food source for birds, with fruiting requiring a nearby male pollinator. In cultivation, possumhaw tolerates full sun to partial shade and a range of soils from moist to well-drained, hardy in USDA zones 5–9; planting both male and female plants ensures berry production, propagation is by seed or cuttings, and pruning is minimal. Uses include specimen, hedge, border, or screen plantings, with winter color from persistent berries and wildlife benefits as berries attract birds and bees; may sucker, requiring monitoring to manage spread.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

7-15 feet

Spread

5-12 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun to Partial Shade; Full Shade not required.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, slightly acidic (pH 6.1–6.5), tolerates clay, loam, and sandy textures

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.1-6.5, Slightly acidic, Tolerates acidic to alkaline soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (March–May)

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No appreciable fall color; leaves stay green.

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

0.4-0.8 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds