Berry beautiful shrub
Posted On: Saturday, Feb. 6 2010 05:18 AM
By Darla Horner Menking
Outside InsightsDuring this time of bare trees, brown perennials and evergreen shrubs, there is a plant that is truly a stand-out. I had never noticed them before, but lately I have seen several, and they are awesome.
The plant I am speaking of is native to Central Texas, which means it should thrive under cared for, normal conditions. (The ones I've seen have done very well, even this winter.) It is also a very nice ornamental plant and is considered to be a large shrub of 12 to 20 feet, although it may be pruned to appear as a small tree.
Have I piqued your curiosity? This plant is deciduous, which means it loses its leaves from December to February, usually. But it doesn't appear bare. It is covered with red berries. No leaves, just red berries. It is beautiful.
There are other nice features of this plant. It handles sun to part shade, although it will produce more berries when it is in full sun. It takes only low to medium water and can handle poorly draining soil, which is common for well adapted native plants. This plant is wildlife friendly, offering food and shelter for other animals. It is also deer resistant, a huge concern for those living in the rural areas.
What more can you ask out of a plant, right? Well, I might as well tell you what this plant's name is, unless you all have guessed it already. It's the Possumhaw Holly. It is a unique specimen to behold when the green foliage is shed and nothing but berries are "popping" whatever landscape is lucky enough to have it.
Just to let you know, I got most of my information about this native shrub from a guidebook handed out by the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extention. Please be alert and watch out for this Texas native. It's around town and it's berry beautiful.
Darla Menking is a Master Gardener intern, landscape coach and plant enthusiast. E-mail her at
darla.menking@yahoo.com.