Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000760
11/12/99
Ilex decidua--Possumhaw
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.
References for Cultivars: Bailey Nurseries 1999, Lake County
Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries 1997.
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to commercial products or trade names does not imply
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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