Possum haw (Ilex decidua) is a deciduous holly, grown as a large shrub or small tree. Its colorful winter berries brighten woodlands along creeks and rivers in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5 -9). It is known by a number of common names, including bearberry, winterberry, deciduous holly, among others. Its popular name “possum haw” comes from the fact that opossums feed on its fruits.

As a shrub possum haw grows 8 feet to 15 feet high and 8 feet to 10 feet wide. Tree forms grow 18-25 feet tall, depending on cultivar. It may be utilized it as a single fruit-bearing female specimen plant if a male pollinator shrub is nearby. Or plant several for a deciduous privacy hedge or screen.

Small white flowers open in late April in Tennessee and Virginia (USDA hardiness zones 6 -7). Based on the cultivar grown, colorful berries may be crimson, scarlet, orange, gold or yellow.

Plant the appropriate male pollinating variety among many fruit bearing females to insure a bountiful crop of colorful berries from mid-autumn thru the winter months which attract wildlife (see below).

White flowers open in late April in the Southern Appalachian region. Possum haw has an attractive branching habit and gray bark. The 1½- to 3-inch long oval leaves are glossy dark green in summer and transition to a rich yellow fall color before abscising.

Various forms – from weeping to upright – and with other fruit colors are being developed and introduced. Florists are utilizing heavily fruited branches in decorating; the fruits persist for many weeks. Few serious disease and pest problems trouble this shrub.

Possumhaw can be found on limestone glades and bluffs, along streams in wet woods, and in lowland valleys, sloughs and swamps. It is an upright shrub or small tree with a spreading, rounded crown. Its bark is gray-brown and smooth with occasional warts.  Birds, deer and a variety of small mammals (including opossums as the common name suggests) are attracted to the fruit.  Prune to shape in early spring just before new growth begins.

‘Council Fire’ is a female plant and needs a male pollinator (e.g., male Ilex decidua or Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Knight’) for berry production. One male plant is usually adequate to pollinating 9-10 female plants.

‘Raritan Chief’ – a male clone used to pollinate many deciduous holly hybrids, as it flowers over a long period. It may reach 12 feet tall and features attractive glossy, light green foliage.

Additional Varieties:

• ‘Byer’s Golden’ – 8-10 feet shrub; gold fruits
  
• ‘Council Fire’ – 15 feet high; persistent orange-red fruits
  
• ‘Red Escort’ – 18 feet high; male pollinator
  
• ‘Pocahontas’ – 7 feet; bright red berries
  
• ‘Sentry’ – 18-20 feet high; red berries
• ‘Sundance’ – 7 feet tall; orange-red berries
• ‘Warren’s Red’ – 12-18 feet tall; bright red