Possumhaw (IIex decidua)

Location and Notable Facts

  • Other names
    • Deciduous Holly
    • Winterberry
  • Scientific Family
    • Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
  • Discovery
    •  N/A
  • Size (Width/Height/Growth/DBH)
    •  A small tree 20 to 30 feet tall 
  • Colors
    •  White flowers
  • Bloom/Seed/Fruit
    • Berries remain after leaf fall, making it attractive all winter.
    • Flowers April–May. Some plants may be male, others female, or flowers may be perfect (containing both male and female parts). Petals 4–6, white, egg-shaped; stamens 4–6.
    • Fruits September–October. Globe-shaped berry; orange to red; ¼ inch across; solitary or 2 or 3 together; seeds usually 4, pale yellow. Berries persistent on branches most of the winter after leaves are shed. As with other hollies, only female trees produce berries.

                                                       ilex_decidua_flpossumhaw

Photo credit to NC State University and University of Arkansas

  • Leaf Arrangement 
    •  Deciduous, alternate, serrulate and oval in shape

Deciduous_Holly_Possum_Haw_SE_11-22-16

Photo credit to University of Redlands


  • Bark Arrangement 
    •  Light gray to brown roughened 

unnamedPhoto credit to University of Texas

  • Invasive/Non-invasive
    •  Non-invasive
  • Native/Non-native
    •  Native
    • Found throughout Arkansas in bottom land and mountainous sites.
  • Pests/Disease
    •  None
  • Comparisons to similar trees
    • Waxmyrtle
    • Gum Belly
  • Usefulness
    •  Ornamental 
  • Local Location / History:  
    • Located in front of the Hot Springs Intracity Transit Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace 

possumaw