Possumhaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Possumhaw |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ilex
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| Species: |
decidua
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| Synonyms | |
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Ilex curtissii (Fern.) Small |
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Ilex decidua is a special plant known by a few fun names like meadow holly, "possumhaw", "deciduous holly", or "swamp holly". It's a type of holly that grows naturally in the United States. Unlike some hollies, this one loses its leaves in the fall, which is why it's called "deciduous." But don't worry, its bright red berries stay on the branches, making it look beautiful in winter!
Contents
What Does Meadow Holly Look Like?
Meadow holly has some unique features that help you tell it apart. Its leaves have wavy or toothed edges, like tiny scallops. The small stems that hold the fruits are usually 2 to 8 millimeters long.
Leaves and Berries
The leaves of the meadow holly are shaped like an egg, but wider at the top. They are simple, meaning each leaf is a single piece. They grow one after another along the stem. These leaves fall off in autumn, which is why it's called "deciduous holly." They can grow to be about 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters long.
The fruits are called drupes. They are usually bright red, but sometimes they can be yellow. They are shiny and almost perfectly round, like a small ball. Each fruit is about 4 to 8 millimeters wide. The inside of the fruit tastes bitter. Each fruit holds 3 to 5 seeds and becomes ripe in the autumn.
Twigs and Bark
The slender twigs of the meadow holly are smooth and silvery gray. They have many small, short branches called spur shoots. The buds on the sides of the twigs are pointed.
The bark of the tree is light brown to gray. It can be smooth or have a rough, bumpy texture.
Where Does Meadow Holly Grow?
Ilex decidua is a common plant in many parts of the United States. You can find it in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. It also grows in Washington, D.C..
This plant also grows in northern Mexico, in the states of Chihuahua and Coahuila.
Meadow holly likes to grow in low-lying areas. It often lives in floodplains, which are flat lands next to rivers that might flood. It also grows along the edges of swamps or lakes. It can be found at heights up to about 360 meters above sea level.
Plant Neighbors
Meadow holly often grows near other types of trees. These include water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and hackberry (Celtis species).
Wildlife and Meadow Holly
The bright fruits of the meadow holly are a tasty treat for many songbirds and small mammals. Deer also like to eat the young twigs of the plant.
How Do People Use Meadow Holly?
Because of its beautiful red "berries," the meadow holly is often planted in gardens. People use it as an ornamental plant to make their yards look nice, especially in winter. Branches with berries are also collected and used as Christmas decorations.
The wood from the meadow holly tree is not used for business. This is because the trees are usually too small to provide much wood.
