Possum-haw holly is a southern deciduous shrub that can grow tree-like in its native habitat. In the Midwest it reaches 10 to 12 feet high but in the south it can grow to 20 to 30 feet high. Dark green foliage turns brownish-yellow in fall before dropping. Early white flowers appear before the leaves. Female plants will produce bright red, persistent fruit, but male and female plants are required to produce fruit.
- Family (English) Holly
- Family (botanic) Aquifoliaceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Illinois, North America
- Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Multi-stemmed, Round, Thicket-forming, Upright
- Growth rate Moderate
