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Monday - March 11, 2013

From: Smithville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Identification of bush with red berries
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

bush? grows along fence lines in rural areas; sheds foliage in fall; berries appear; colors vary from red to orange, depending on soil?

ANSWER:

Your description sounds to me like Ilex decidua (Possumhaw). As the species name suggests, it is deciduous—shedding its leaves in winter—but the female trees retain their orange, red, or sometimes yellow berries after they lose their leaves. The berries are eaten by at least 9 bird species including cedar waxwings. The berries are most often eaten late in the winter season after the berries have gone through one or more freezes. As far as I know, the berry color depends on the genetics of the plant. I have never seen any information indicating that it is due to soils it grows in. Here is more information from Aggie Horticulture, University of Florida Extension Service and Stephen F. Austin University.

The females of its close relative, Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon), also bear red berries; but, because they are evergreen, their red berries aren't as evident as those of the possumhaws.

From the Image Gallery

Possumhaw
Ilex decidua

Yaupon
Ilex vomitoria