Ilex decidua
Ilex decidua | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Aquifoliales |
Family: | Aquifoliaceae |
Genus: | Ilex |
Species: | I. decidua
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Binomial name | |
Ilex decidua | |
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Synonyms | |
Ilex curtissii (Fern.) Small |
Ilex decidua (meadow holly, also called "possumhaw", "deciduous holly" or "swamp holly") is a species of holly native to the United States.
Description
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 2.5-7.5 cm long.[2]
Drupe fruits are red (or rarely yellow), shiny, and globose (spherical, or nearly so), with a diameter of 4–8 mm.[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]
Distribution and ecology
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Ilex_decidua_drawing.jpg/220px-Ilex_decidua_drawing.jpg)
Ilex decidua is a common plant,[1] growing in the US in Alabama, Arkansas, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.[4]
It grows in the northern Mexico states of Chihuahua and Coahuila.[5]
It prefers land in floodplains and the margins of swamps or lakes, and grows at elevations up to about 360 m.[1][2] Other plant species with which possumhaw is associated include water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and hackberry (Celtis spp.).[6]
The fruits attract songbirds.[3] Deer browse on young twigs.[2]
Human use
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Ilex_decidua_berries.jpg/220px-Ilex_decidua_berries.jpg)
Because of the attractive "berries", the tree is used as a winter ornamental plant, and branches are collected for use as Christmas decorations.[2] The wood is not useful commercially because of the tree's small size.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d 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 0-8203-1469-2.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Brown, Claud L.; L. Katherine Kirkman (1990). Trees of Georgia and Adjacent States. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. pp. 178–179. ISBN 0-88192-148-3.
- ^ a b "NPIN: Ilex decidua (Possumhaw)". Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ "PLANTS Profile for Ilex decidua (possumhaw)". Natural Resources Conservation Service. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ "Ilex decidua". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ "FDEP Featured Plant: Florida Hollies". Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
External links
Media related to Ilex decidua at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Ilex decidua at Wikispecies
- Ilex
- Ornamental trees
- Trees of the Southeastern United States
- Trees of Chihuahua (state)
- Trees of Coahuila
- Trees of the North-Central United States
- Trees of the Southern United States
- Trees of the South-Central United States
- Trees of the Northeastern United States
- Trees of the Great Lakes region (North America)