Scientific Name: Ilex decidua

Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9 
Height: 12 ft
Spread: 9 ft
Form: rounded 
Type: deciduous shrub 
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches 
Fruit: red 

Comments
Possumhaw is a potentially large shrub grown for its red berries. The fruits are held well into winter providing winter interest. As the plant is native in swampy areas it will tolerate wet soils. Provide a site with partial shade or sun. This may be the holly to try in alkaline soils. The silvery gray bark is an additional ornamental feature. Both male and female plants must be grown. 

Cultivars

'Red Cascade' - An improved form with bright red fruit. 

'Red Escort' - A male cultivar with a dense growth habit. The plant is grown as a pollinator. 

'Sentry' - A narrow columnar habit and bright red berries. 

'Warren's Red' - Very heavy fruit production. 

Provided by Michigan State University Extension

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