possum-haw

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

7-15 ft. tall
5-12 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require a double stratification of warm moist conditions for 30-60 days followed by a cold moist stratification of 60-90 days.

Plant Planting Notes

At least one male tree is needed for female fruit set. Prune in early spring before new growth emerges.

Plants/Diseases

Leaf spot and powdery mildew can be occasional issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical to ovate with crenate margins.

Flowers

Small greenish white flowers with four to five petals.

Fruit

Bright red berries that persist in winter.

Bark

Bark is grayish silver.

Toxicity

Fruits have low toxicity if consumed.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Most typically found in floodplain forests, but may infrequently be found on upland slopes.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Absent from the mountains.