Possom-haw Holly
Ilex decidua
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ilex decidua (Possum-haw Holly) is a native deciduous shrub found across the southeastern and south-central United States. It blooms in May and June, attracting bees and beetles, and produces bright red berries in fall.
Possom-haw Holly is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–300" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Possum-haw holly is a large deciduous shrub that can reach 10-25 feet tall and wide. It produces small white flowers in late spring followed by bright red berries that persist through winter on female plants. This native holly loses its leaves in fall, making it unique among hollies.
Growing Possom-haw Holly
Grow Possom-haw Holly in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 300 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Possom-haw Holly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large size inappropriate for most residential settings
- Can look sparse and ungainly when leafless in winter
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles in late spring. The bright red berries provide important winter food for birds and add seasonal interest to the landscape.
Common questions
- Where is Possum-haw Holly native to?
- Ilex decidua is native to 21 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and North Dakota.
- When does Possum-haw Holly bloom?
- Possum-haw Holly produces small white flowers in May and June, which are followed by bright red berries that persist through winter.
- What pollinators visit Possum-haw Holly?
- The flowers of Ilex decidua attract bees and beetles during its spring blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Possum-haw Holly prefer?
- This adaptable shrub tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, making it suitable for diverse landscape situations.
- Is Possom-haw Holly toxic to livestock?
- Possom-haw Holly is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Possom-haw Holly HOA-friendly?
- Possom-haw Holly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Possom-haw Holly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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