Drove by this tree today and had to stop as it was standing out amongst the landscape on an partly overcast day. Have never seen one before so did a little google search and here you go. There were very little leaves on these few trees but lots of berries as you see from the photos.
Ilex decidua Walter
Possumhaw, Possumhaw Holly, Deciduous Holly, Meadow Holly, Prairie Holly, Swamp Holly, Welk Holly, Deciduous Yaupon, Bearberry, Winterberry
Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
Synonym(s): Ilex curtissii, Ilex decidua var. curtissii
USDA Symbol: ilde
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Deciduous holly or possum haw is a small, deciduous tree or shrub,15-30 ft. tall, with pale gray, twiggy, horizontal branches. Glossy, oval, toothed leaves remain dark green through autumn, finally turning yellow. Inconspicuous flowers precede clusters of persistant, red berries on female trees which provide winter color.
Possum Haw is conspicuous in winter, with its many, small, red berries along leafless, slender, gray twigs. Opossums, raccoons, other mammals, songbirds, and gamebirds eat the fruit of this and related species.
