10 Seeds Deciduous Holly Ilex decidua Native Shrub Tree Wildlife Garden

Deciduous Holly (Ilex decidua) is a native North American shrub or small tree valued for its bright red berries that persist into winter and its fresh green foliage that drops in autumn, revealing the attractive gray bark and heavy fruit display. It brings multi-season interest to native plant gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized landscapes.

Female plants produce abundant red berries in fall that remain on the branches well into winter, offering food for birds and adding color to the dormant landscape. This adaptable holly works well in mixed borders, rain gardens, and wildlife plantings, tolerating a range of soils and light conditions once established. Berries form on female plants when a male pollinator is nearby.
Species: Ilex decidua
Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Plant_Habit: Upright, spreading, suckering
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist to well-drained, adaptable
Zones: 5-9
Germination: Cold stratification recommended; sow in fall or stratify 60-90 days
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly cover, keep moist
Spacing: 10-15 feet
Notes: Dioecious; plant both male and female for berry production