Ilex decidua

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Ilex decidua (USDA).jpg


Plant Characteristics
Lifespan: perennial
Cultivation
Features: evergreen
Scientific Names

Aquifoliaceae >

Ilex >

decidua >

Walt. >


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Ilex decidua (Meadow Holly, also called "possumhaw", "deciduous holly" or "swamp holly") is a species of holly native to the United States.

Leaves of Ilex decidua

Distinguishing features of this species are crenate leaf margins and fruiting pedicels that are 2-8 mm long.[1] Its "distinctive leaf shape... is less variable than other species of holly".[2] Leaves are obovate,[3] simple, alternating, deciduous, and grow to 2.5-7.5cm long.[2]

Drupe fruits are red (or rarely yellow), shiny, and globose (spherical, or nearly so), with a diameter of 4-8mm.[1][2] The pulp is bitter; they contain 3-5 seeds and mature in autumn.[2]

Slender twigs are glabrous and silvery gray, with "numerous spur shoots", pointed lateral buds, and acuminate scales.[2]

Bark is "light brown to gray" in color and may be smooth or "warty and roughened".[2]


Read about Ilex decidua in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Ilex decidua, Walt. (Prinos deciduus, DC.). Shrub or small tree, to 30 ft., with light gray, spreading branches: lvs. cuneate-oblong or obovate, usually obtuse, crenately serrate, dark green, and with impressed veins above, pale and pubescent beneath, 1 ½ -3 in. long: fr. globose, orange or orange-scarlet, 1/3 in. across. May. Va. to Fla., west to Texas.


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Cultivation

Propagation

Pests and diseases

Varieties

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Duncan, Wilbur H. and Marion B. Duncan (1988). Trees of the Southeastern United States. Athens, Georgia: The University of Georgia Press. pp. 304–305. ISBN 0820314692. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Brown, Claud L.; L. Katherine Kirkman (1990). Trees of Georgia and Adjacent States. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. pp. 178–179. ISBN 0881921483. 
  3. "NPIN: Ilex decidua (Possumhaw{". Retrieved on 2009-07-14.

External links