Possumhaw, Deciduous Holly
Ilex decidua
Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
▲ mature tree/shrub in late summer
▲▼ late summer twigs showing leaves, ripening fruit
▲▼ fruit-laden plants along Table Rock Lake near Cape Fair, MO in mid-late fall
Location on campus: along concrete drainage running parallel to Parking Lot 24 entrance off National Avenue, in southern portion of retention basin at southwest corner of Grand and National
Ilex decidua: Possumhaw, Deciduous Holly
· leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, obovate with crenate margins and rounded leaf tip; dark green above and pale green below with whitish pubescence on mid vein
· leaves often born on short spurs after first season growth
· stems gray with spur-like lateral branches
· grows 10-15' tall and wide; more of a multi-trunked small tree than a shrub; will continue to sprout new stems from base of plant to make a large thicket if unpruned
· plant is dioecious; female plants produce bright red berries which persist through fall into winter— very attractive on leafless plant
· prefers full-sun, but tolerates moderate shade; prefers moist to wet soils but will grow in drier soils as well
· medium to fast growth rate
· native to Missouri