Ilex decidua – Possumhaw, Deciduous Holly, Meadow Holly, Winterberry
Native Possumhaw can be grown as a large, upright shrub or small, multi-trunk tree. Unlike the common evergreen holly, this one is deciduous. Once it sheds its leaves in autumn, the bare silvery branches showcase the dazzling display of red berries, making this holly a top pick for winter color. It has excellent wildlife value, especially for backyard birds.
Only female plants produce berries, so buy in the fall to ensure you have a fruiting specimen. Or look for ‘Warren’s Red’ cultivar which maintains its leaves longest through autumn and is always female. NOTE: berries are reported to be poisonous to humans.
Growing Requirements
Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Can grow in full sun to dappled shade (understory shade) but will fruit more with some sun. Adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, and can tolerate poor drainage but avoid wet feet. Very cold, heat, and drought tolerant once established.
In the Landscape
Average Size: 12-15 feet tall x 12-15 feet wide
Spacing: 8-15 feet
Classification: Large Shrub, Ornamental Tree, Deciduous Tree
Uses: Winter Focal Point, Specimen, Mass Planting, Shelterbelt, Understory Tree, Erosion Control, Wildlife Habitat
Possumhaw has several uses in a landscape: as a specimen or accent; as part of a mixed planting; or closely grouped in clusters or hedge rows for maximum visual impact. Cultivated as a thicket or hedge, it can also serve as a windbreak and privacy screen. Can be grown as an understory tree or in low spots with less-than-ideal drainage.
Seasonal Interest: Winter, Fall
In fall, the glossy green foliage turns yellow and the fruit begins to color. The leaves drop in late autumn, revealing bare, gray limbs adorned with a striking display of vibrant red berries. The fruit persists through most of winter and sometimes into early spring. This makes Possumhaw a prized landscape plant for its winter interest and wildlife benefit as a vital food source.
Wildlife: Provides food, shelter, and nesting site for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and nectar insects. A host plant for Henry’s Elfin butterfly and several moth species. Deer Resistant.
The berries are popular with a variety of songbirds, especially Cedar Waxwings. They flock to the tree in late winter to feed on the fruit, often stripping the berries in a single visit! Like most hollies, be mindful of where you plant them. Due to the berries and bird activity, you probably don’t want this overhanging a patio or your car.
Care & Maintenance
Minimal pruning is required. As needed, trim to shape, raise the canopy, remove dead or overcrowded branches, and maintain a clean multi-trunk form. The best time to prune Possumhaw is in late winter before new growth emerges. (To ensure a good show of berries in the fall, don’t prune too aggressively.)
This is also the best time to fertilize (use a slow-release or spread compost). Once established, Possumhaw only needs watering during prolonged drought. No pest or disease issues of note.
More on Trees
Be sure to check out these articles on trees: why and how to plant them and a roundup of great trees for North Texas landscapes.
Resources and References
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Native Plant Society of Texas | iNaturalist
Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas by George Oxford Miller
Native Texas Plants by Sally Wasowski and Andy Wasowski
- Photo by Robert Creech via iNaturalist. Licensed under CC0. ↩︎
- Photo by Jack Rouse via iNatualist. Licensed under CC0. ↩︎
- License CC BY-SA 4.0. Photos by (L) Michelle (pufferchung) via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0; (M) Ilex decidua by Michael Wolf via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0; (R) Sam Kieschnick via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Original images cropped/configured with minor exposure adjustments for side-by-side presentation. ↩︎
Leave a Reply