Hollies get more attention during the holiday season than any other time of year. The versatile, evergreen holly is an important plant in southern landscapes and its branches are popular for Christmas decorations. Although there are many types suitable for Miss-Lou landscapes, perhaps the most appropriate is the native deciduous holly known commonly as possumhaw (Ilex decidua).

As you travel on roadways in winter, you can often spot this outstanding ornamental either as a single plant or in colonies. Female possumhaws are loaded with bright red, orange or yellow fruits that appear electric in our indigenous woodland landscape after the leaves drop in late November or early December. Several species of birds feast on the berries including the cedar waxwing. They seem to enjoy them in late winter or early spring, after they have matured or gone through a few freeze-thaw periods.

In nature, possumhaws can typically be found in low lying areas such as along the edge of a creek, in a swamp, or other situations with moist acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade.

The pale gray branches support 2 to 3-inch light green foliage that is not glossy like many of its relatives. In spring, small white flowers a produced and in autumn, the foliage turns light yellow. Possibly reaching 20 to 30 feet in height and up to 20 feet in width, a more likely size in the landscape is 15 feet tall with an 8 foot spread. This large shrub or small tree is often multi-trunked and has a very open growth habit. New foliage emerges early in spring.

Female possumhaw flowers must have a male pollinator in the vicinity. Interestingly, the native, American holly (Ilex opaca) is known as a pollinator. Many nurseries are propagating possumhaws by cuttings, but they generally grow the female selections. This is great as far as ensuring that a plant will have colorful fruit. However, a male plant is required for the female to become clothed with winter fruits.

In addition to the species, several Ilex decidua cultivars are available in the nursery trade. &8216;Byers Golden&8217; is a female with yellow berries and ascending branches. &8216;Finch&8217;s Golden&8217; is another yellow berried female. &8216;Red Cascade&8217; forms deep reddish-orange fruits, has glossy dark green foliage and grows to 25 feet tall and almost as wide with a distinct, almost weeping appearance.

Quite a few other female cultivars can be found but you should also look for &8216;Red Escort&8217;, a male possumhaw, to pollinate the females. This cultivar holds its leaves longer than most cultivars and the species, has attractive yellow foliage in fall and reaches 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

Brighten your winter landscape with possumhaws. Now&8217;s a great time to plant some!