Deciduous Holly
Ilex decidua 
Deciduous holly is mainly a bottomland species but has adapted to many upland sites in the Ozarks. This small- to medium-sized tree produces regular crops of bright red berries on the female plants. The berries are eaten by a variety of birds, particularly in late winter and early spring when other food sources are depleted. Deciduous holly is also called possumhaw.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 16 ft
- Spread
- 16 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, elliptical, 1 l/2" - 3" long; wavy-edged or bluntly toothed, dull green
- Flowers
- male and female flowers on separate plants; small white flowers with 4 petals
- Fruit
- bright red-orange, l/4" diameter; often remaining on tree over winter
- Bark
- thin, brown to grayish-brown with warty projections
- Associated species
- willow oak, sweetgum, American elm, sumac
- Ideal site conditions
- wide range, partial sun
- Value to man
- windbreaks, landscaping
- Value to wildlife
- foodcover
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
