Ilex decidua Walter

Deciduous Holly; Possum Haw

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Possum Haw is a native deciduous shrub in the Holly family (Aquifoliaceae). It is found throughout Alabama. Possum Haw occurs in alluvial forests, in prairies, on fence rows, and in disturbed woodlands. It is often a multi-trunked shrub from seven to fifteen feet in height. The bark is gray to tan in color and smooth. The trunk and limbs often have short, stiff spur shoots. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, obovate in outline with crenate (rounded teeth) margins. The leaves turn yellow in the autumn before falling. Like most members of the genus Possum Haw is mostly dioecious (separate male and female plants). Both male and female plants produce inconspicuous white flowers in the spring. The flowers are produced solitary (female) or in cymes (male) in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a bright red drupe (a fleshy indehiscent fruit with the seed enclosed in a hard-stony endocarp). The fruit remain on the tree throughout the winter, and are consumed by a variety of wildlife including many song birds. Only the female plants produce fruit, and at least one male plant is needed for pollination. Possum Haw grows in a wide variety of soil types. Best growth is in full or partial sun. Plants can withstand flooding for short periods of time. Many cultivars are available including ones with yellow fruit, weeping forms, ones with perfect flowers (has both stamens and carpels), and dwarf forms. Some popular cultivars include Pendula, Council Fire, Warren's Red , Pocahontas.--A. Diamond

**

Native FACW (NWPL)

**