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

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Possumhaw Holly

Ilex decidua

Possumhaw Holly is a medium-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, 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 feet-6 feet
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

Freeze survival

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.

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