A mature Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Accent · Hedge · Mass planting · Coastal · Naturalized · Riparian · Woodland · Butterfly

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Possumhaw Holly

Ilex decidua · Shrub

Possumhaw Holly is a moderate-growing shrub, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 7–15 ft × 5–12 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect green and white blooms in spring. It attracts bees, butterflies and pollinators and stands up well to fire and wet soil.

USDA zones: 5-9
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 7–15 ft × 5–12 ft
Spacing: 3–6 ft
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet
Foliage: Green
Bloom color: Green, White
Bloom season: Spring
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Songbirds
Tough against: Fire, Wet soil
Toxic to: People
Native to: Southeastern and central United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Possumhaw Holly’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9