Ilex decidua
(Possumhaw)
Ilex decidua, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 2316
Ilex decidua, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 3326
Ilex decidua, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 3318
| Scientific Name | Ilex decidua | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ILDE |
| Common Name | Possumhaw, Possum Haw | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 27998 |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae (Holly) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Wide variety of soils in moist areas in woods, along sandy stream banks. Plant: Small, deciduous tree or shrub, 15 to 30 ft. tall, with pale gray, twiggy, horizontal branches. Conspicuous in winter, with its many, small, red berries along leafless, slender, gray twigs. Found in natural environments in central TX and southern states. Commercially available. Leaves: Glossy oblanceolate to narrowly obovate, 1-1/8 to 2-3/4 inches long, rounded or obtuse at the tip, finely toothed edges. Inflorescence: Dioecious (male and female blossoms on separate plants). Inconspicuous small white flowers in clusters on peduncles; 4 or 5 petals; yellow stamens on staminate flowers; pistillate flowers with obvious green ovary; photo below shows female flower with ovary a non-functioning stamens. Fruit: Red or orange-red spherical berries on female trees, up to 1/3-inch in diameter. Bloom Period: March to May. References: Wildflower Center, SEINet, and "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024