One of my favorite plants is spectacular this time of year.  I first became familiar with Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) when I began spending time in Rosenberg with the Master Gardener program.  It was early February when I noticed what seemed to be clouds of red berries along the edges of the wooded areas visible from the Southwest Freeway and Hwy 90A as I traveled between Sugar Land and Rosenberg.  Not being a native Texan, I wondered what sort of plant could produce such a beautiful effect. 

 

    After doing some research, I realized that I was admiring Possumhaw Holly.  This large shrub/small tree attracts attention because of its unique presentation of red, orange and yellow fruit, which appear when the foliage drops in November or early December.  The berries usually remain all winter unless they are spotted and eaten by cedar waxwings, blue jays, robins or other birds. 

 

    While beautiful in a natural setting along the edge of a wooded or swampy area, this holly makes a great accent in the urban landscape also.  It will grow in a variety of soil conditions and will take sun or part shade—though in full sunlight growth is more dense and fruiting is heavier.  It has an upright, spreading habit—averaging 20’ x 15’.  They tolerate poor drainage quite well, but will thrive in dry conditions also.

 

    Like all hollies, a male plant is needed to pollinate the female plants, or they won’t bear fruit.  If you live near an area where Possumhaw is native, you’re in luck.  But out of its range you’ll have to plant a male as well—although other berrying hollies have been known to act as pollinators also. 

 

    Possumhaw Holly is native from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas and Mexico.  In addition to the beautiful seasonal display of color, including this plant in your landscape will attract a variety of birds—and you’ve got to love that in a plant!

 

Sources:

 

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/

         extension/newsletters/

         hortupdate/nov01/art1nov.html

 

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/

         faqs/HolliesWinter.html

 

http://williamson-tx.tamu.edu/AG/

             landscapedemos/plantmaterial/

             trees20.html

Texas Natives:

Possumhaw Holly

 

By Mary Beth McCaughey, Past-President, FBMG S2000