Species possumhaw
red, dewy, glossy berries along yellow-pale stems

possumhaw

Ilex decidua

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) is an evergreen shrub found throughout the southeastern United States. Possumhaw has large glossy green leaves with distinctive red berries that persist throughout winter. These shrubs can grow to heights of up to 15 feet and have a multi-stemmed form. Possumhaw is an ideal choice for screens and shrub borders as it is hardy and drought tolerant. It is also beneficial for wildlife and provides shelter and food for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Possumhaw is an easy-care plant and can be grown with minimal care.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Dull white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red,orange Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Possumhaw plants require a moderate amount of water and should not be kept either overly wet or overly dry. During their actively growing season, which spans from late spring to early fall, possumhaw plants should be watered 1-2 times per week, making sure the soil is saturated with water. During the winter months, when possumhaw plants are dormant, water should be provided only when the soil has become fully dry.

sunlight

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) plants thrive in full sunlight when they are growing outdoors. Late spring and early summer are the best times for this plant species to receive ample sunlight, as this is their peak growing season. Sunlight helps possumhaw plants to produce and absorb essential nutrients, grow healthy and vibrant foliage, and bloom. The ideal sun exposure for this species is 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, some dappled, partial shade during the hottest part of the day (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) can help prevent exacerbated leaf scorch and burning in climates with strong sunlight.

pruning

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) should be pruned yearly in spring, after flowering. Pruning should involve selective removal of dead, diseased, or otherwise poorly developing branches in order to shape the tree to your desired size and shape. To maintain a desirable shape, possesshaw should be selectively thinned in order to reduce overcrowding of the branches. Additionally, removing some of the oldest branches helps to promote flowering in future years. When done correctly, pruning of possumhaw helps to improve the overall visual appeal of the tree while also improving the structure of the tree. It's important to remember not to over-prune possumhaw, as this can cause poor flowering and ultimately death of the shrub. Pruning possumhaw should not exceed 1-third to 3-fourth of the live stem wood and should only be done when necessary for the health of the tree.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Ilex decidua (possumhaw) typically begins in late September and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Ilex decidua typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Ilex decidua typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Hardiness Map