Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)

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Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) leaves

Possumhaw, or Deciduous Holly, is a fairly common small understory tree, most often found in bottomlands.

The small leaves, clustered on short spurs, have small rounded teeth and are broader past the middle.

Orange Co., NC 6/3/2012.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Clusters of small white flowers appear in mid-spring.

Granville Co., NC 4/26/09.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Staminate (male) flowers. Possumhaw is dioecious — flowers on an individual tree are either male or female.

Granville Co., NC 4/26/09.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Pistillate (female) flowers.

Flowers and leaves are clustered on short spur branches.

Granville Co., NC 4/26/09.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Staminate flowers.

Granville Co., NC 4/26/09.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Staminate flowers.

Granville Co., NC 4/26/09.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Staminate flowers.

Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) flowers

Staminate flowers.

Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) fruit

Orange Co., NC 11/4/2012.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) fruit

Orange Co., NC 11/4/2012.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) fruit

Orange Co., NC 11/4/2012.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)
Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)

Leaves are usually obovate (egg-shaped, widest above the middle) to spathulate (spoon-shaped) and crenate (with blunt teeth).

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)

The leaves and fruits are usually clustered on short spur branches.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/05.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)

The bright red drupes on female plants last through the winter.

Durham Co., NC 12/4/05.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) bark

The bark has warty lenticels.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) bark

Orange Co., NC 11/4/2012.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) bark

Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) bark

Orange Co., NC 6/3/2012.

More information:
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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