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Description
Ilex Decidua, commonly known as Possumhaw or Deciduous Holly, is a plant species in the Aquifoliaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can grow up to 20-30 feet tall. This deciduous holly can be grown as a shrub or a small tree, and it produces small white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the fall that attract birds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
The Ilex Decidua has an upright and rounded habit, with a dense and twiggy growth. Its leaves are deciduous, alternate, and simple, with a spiny margin and an elliptical shape. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter green and matte on the underside. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in the spring. The fruit is a red drupe that measures around 0.25 inches in diameter and ripens in the fall. The bark is gray and smooth on young trees but becomes rough and furrowed as they age.
Care Guide
Ilex Decidua is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water regularly during the first year after planting, and then only during periods of drought. The plant can tolerate some dryness, but it prefers moist soil.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and then again in the fall with a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
- Soil: Ilex Decidua prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce more berries in full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Ilex Decidua is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ilex Decidua is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by scale insects, leaf spot, and root rot. Here are some tips to prevent and treat these problems:
- Scale insects: Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control scale insects.
- Leaf spot: Remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: Improve drainage, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Ilex Decidua is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in woodlands, swamps, and along stream banks. It is a hardy plant that is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, including drought, flooding, and poor soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Ilex Decidua in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Ilex Decidua in a container, but make sure to choose a large container and use well-drained soil.
Q: Is Ilex Decidua poisonous?
A: Yes, the berries of Ilex Decidua are poisonous to humans and pets if ingested.
Q: How often should I prune Ilex Decidua?
A: Prune Ilex Decidua in the late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches, and to shape the plant.
Q: Can I propagate Ilex Decidua from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Ilex Decidua from hardwood cuttings taken in the winter.
Related Plants
- Ilex vomitoria
- Ilex opaca
- Ilex aquifolium
- Ilex glabra
References
- Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1997.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. “Ilex Decidua.” Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275452.
- North Carolina State University. “Ilex Decidua.” Accessed August 25, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-decidua/.
