Possumhaw
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Ilex decidua
Common names include Possumhaw, Possumhaw Holly, Deciduous Holly, Meadow Holly, Swamp Holly, Prairie Holly, Welk Holly, Bearberry, Winterberry, Deciduous Yaupon
Possumhaw is a deciduous holly that thrives in a variety of habitats, including limestone glades, bluffs, and damp woodlands along streams, as well as in serene lowland valleys, sloughs, and swamps. This upright shrub typically grows between 7 to 15 feet tall when cultivated and features a spreading, rounded crown. Its narrow glossy, dark green leaves transition to a warm, dull, purplish green or yellow in autumn. Both male and female plants produce small whiteish flowers, and if the female is pollinated, those flowers will develop into vibrant orange-red berries, which ripen in September and persist throughout the winter until mid-March. The berries add winter interest while the shrub is bare of leaves until it begins to refoliate in spring.
Possumhaws prefer average, medium moisture soil and full sun to part shade. They are adaptable, thriving in both light and heavy soils, although they prefer moist, acidic, organic soils and can tolerate wet conditions. To enjoy a brilliant show of berries, plant at least one male alongside your female plants for a pollination partnership. Just a heads up—these shrubs tend to make suckers from the base, so a little shaping in early spring or removing any unwanted new growth can help keep them looking their best.
Nectar Source: Insects
Fruit Food Source: Birds, Small Mammals, Deer
Height: 6’-14’
Spread: 4’-12’
Bloom: May
Light: Full Sun-Dappled Shade
Water: Low
Zone: 5-9
Origin: North America
Spring Shipping:
Orders are shipped within 7-10 business days. We will email you if there are expected delays.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
