Shrub
Possumhaw
Ilex decidua
Features
Red berries on female plants in late summer, often remaining well into winter.
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates both wet and dry sites; tolerates alkaline soil.
Cultivars
- 'Warren Red' - more upright form, fruits heavily, good cold hardiness.
Mature Height
12-20 Feet
Size
Large
Mature Width
9-15 Feet
Mature Form
Oval; large shrub to small tree.
Native To:
United States (and Illinois)
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Hedge
Massing
Naturalizing
Screen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional Notes
All species of Ilex have male and female flowers on separate plants. Fruit will be produced only if a male plant is available to pollinate the females. Leaves of this species will fall off in autumn.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
Visit site >>
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
Visit site >>
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
Visit site >>
U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
Visit site >>
