Perch Supply
Texas · Shrub

Possumhaw for birds in Texas

Deciduous holly holding red fruit through winter. Native to Texas, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Ilex decidua
Native status
Native in Texas
Hardiness zones
USDA 6b–10a
What birds get from it
Food and cover
Texas birds supported
3
Nesting birds among them
3

Growing conditions in Texas

Humid subtropical in the east and along the Gulf, semi-arid to arid in the west; long, hot summers and short, mild winters over most of the state.

Afternoon highs regularly exceed 95°F — nest boxes need shade or light-colored, ventilated construction, and water matters as much as food.

Texas birds that use Possumhaw

Year-round residents (3)

Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Blue Jay

Nesting season it supports in Texas

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Possumhaw:

  • Northern Cardinal — March–September
  • Eastern Bluebird — March–July
  • Blue Jay — March–July

Native plants to pair with Possumhaw in Texas

Yaupon holly
Ilex vomitoria · Shrub

Evergreen cover plus red winter berries on female plants.

American beautyberry
Callicarpa americana · Shrub

Clusters of purple fruit from late summer into fall.

Coral honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens · Vine

Native tubular red flowers; not the invasive Japanese honeysuckle.

Live oak
Quercus virginiana · Tree

Acorns and a huge insect load for foraging and nestling food.

Flowering dogwood
Cornus florida · Tree

Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.

Eastern red cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.

Frequently asked

Is Possumhaw native to Texas?

Yes. Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) is recorded as native in Texas. Texas spans USDA 6b–10a.

What birds does Possumhaw attract in Texas?

In Texas, Possumhaw supports 3 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Blue Jay.

Does Possumhaw help nesting birds in Texas?

3 of those birds nest in Texas: Northern Cardinal (March–September), Eastern Bluebird (March–July), Blue Jay (March–July).

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Texas
  4. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  5. Audubon Native Plants Database
  6. Texas Breeding Bird Atlas — Texas A&M

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.