University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Shrubs for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/shrubselector
Possumhaw
Ilex decidua
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Possumhaw flowers and leaves
Size:

Small

Medium
Size: large
Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9 
Mature Height: 12-20 Feet
Mature Width: 9-15 Feet
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 Form: Oval; large shrub to small tree.
Native To: United States (and Illinois)
Soil Conditions:
Soil condition: DryDry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Tolerance: Alkaline SoilAlkaline Soil
Tolerance: Dry SitesDry Sites
Tolerance: SaltSalt
Tolerance: Soil CompactionSoil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Barrier
Border
Foundation
Use for: Hedge.Hedge
Use for: Massing.Massing
Use for: Naturalizing.Naturalizing
Use for: Screen.Screen
Specimen
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Green
 
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.