Deciduous Holly, Bare Root

Deciduous Holly (Possumhaw) (Ilex decidua)

A large shrub or small tree whose fruit becomes conspicuous after leaf fall. It fits moist habitat borders where a branching winter silhouette and bird food are welcome.

Key Characteristics

Fruit requires a female and a male

Female plants need compatible male pollen to produce a good fruit display. These are unsexed seedlings; plant several for a better chance of both sexes rather than expecting every plant to fruit.

A holly host relationship

Henry's elfin butterflies use hollies, including possumhaw, as hosts. Holly flowers also support specialist Colletes banksi bees.

Leave the fruit for birds

Red to orange drupes feed songbirds and small mammals. They are not a human food crop; use this plant for habitat and winter interest.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium; Medium-Wet; Wet
• Mature height: 7–15 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: April–May
• Bloom color: White, Green
• USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
• Fruit or seed: Red to orange drupes on pollinated female plants; for wildlife, not human consumption.
• Pollination: Male and female plants required for fruit. These seedlings are unsexed; another holly species is not a guaranteed substitute.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting and spread roots without bending them into a tight hole. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when needed.

Keep establishment moisture steady and inspect scale or leaf spots before treating. Prune selectively to retain flowers and fruiting wood. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. These are seedlings rather than selected clones, so growth, flowering, and fruiting vary.