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possumhaw

possumhaw

Ilex decidua

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 5a – Zone 9b

A deciduous native shrub prized for its bright red berries that persist into winter, providing food for wildlife. Inconspicuous spring flowers precede the showy fruit display.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
6–33′ tall × 4–8′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

moderate

Flood Tolerance

moderate
Zone 5aZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 5a to Zone 9b

pH Range

3.56.5
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 3.5 to 6.5

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

FallWinter

Succession Role

early successionalmid successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern United States

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Function & Care

wildlife benefithedgerowpollinator nectary
Coppicing

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting