August Shrub of the Month-Possumhaw
The Missouri State Champion Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) lives just outside the wrought-iron fencing surrounding the Mausoleum of Henry Shaw, where it’s often passed unnoticed if not for the signage designating its champion status.
Possumhaws are not the showiest of shrubs and are sometimes considered small trees. Even the name is off-putting; possums are known to eat the bright red berries, and “haw” supposedly stems from “hawthorn,” the tree with similar fruit. But the importance of the possumhaw is most appreciated by our native wildlife, birds especially. The fruits are usually saved until last after all other available fruits are exhausted each winter.
This is good for gardeners, who get to enjoy the bright fruit later into the season. Possumhaw is closely related to another winter favorite, winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and has many similarities. Both species are dioicous, requiring a nearby male for the female plants to produce fruits. Both species are deciduous hollies that lose their leaves every fall.
Possumhaw can grow up to 30’ in the wild and has a broad arching habit. Although it will grow on bluffs and glades, it prefers moist areas and can be used in rain gardens with good drainage. It prefers full sun, but it tolerates shade with somewhat diminished fruit production.
Possumhaw is not considered a low-maintenance shrub due to its knack for suckering at the base and developing water sprouts along the stems; both should be removed to direct energy to the desirable stems.
What I love about this plant;
-It’s native!
-Showy fruit.
-Great for wildlife.
-Good for smaller gardens and rain gardens.
-An alternative to invasive honeysuckle with similar habit, size, and berries.
What’s not so great;
-Suckers form at the trunk base and need to be removed regularly.
-Flowers are not showy, and fall color is blah, but they are worth growing for the fruit and wildlife benefits.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2024, All rights reserved.
