Possum Haw Holly, Possumhaw, Deciduous Holly
Ilex decidua

Family: Aquifoliaceae (a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Ilex (EYE-leks)
Species: decidua (dee-SID-yoo-uh)

Synonym:Ilex curtissii

Synonym:Ilex decidua var. curtissii

Category
Shrubs

Height
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)

Spacing
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Time
Mid Summer

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Deciduous

Other details
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Provides winter interest

Soil pH requirements
4.5 or below (very acidic)
4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From softwood cuttings

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds