Possumhaw
Ilex decidua
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © gillydilly (iNaturalist #117947826)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- Ilex decidua
- USDA Symbol:
- ILDE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), pawpaw sphinx (Dolba hyloeus), Red-banded leafroller (Argyrotaenia velutinana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), pawpaw sphinx (Dolba hyloeus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, orange, yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers floodplain and bottomland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seeds exhibit deep dormancy and do not germinate until the second year. Seeds are purchased from local people who collect within a 50 mile radius of the nursery. Ilex species are dioecious. Female plants bear bright red to red-orange fruits that mature during fall months.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)