Ilex decidua

9.9

A small tree or bush that loses its leaves and has bright red berries

noun
/ˈaɪlɛks dɪˈsɪdʒuə/

Specialized

: Ilex decidua

The Ilex decidua is often planted for its ornamental value and wildlife benefits.

Examples

In landscaping, Ilex decidua is prized for adding color even when its leaves have fallen.
The Ilex decidua produces vibrant red berries in the fall.
Birds are attracted to the bright red berries of Ilex decidua in winter.
Have you seen the Ilex decidua in the garden?
Birds are attracted to the bright red berries of Ilex decidua in winter.
In landscaping, Ilex decidua is prized for adding color even when its leaves have fallen.
The Ilex decidua is often planted for its ornamental value and wildlife benefits.

Synonyms

deciduous holly

vsIlex decidua

8.2

A North American tree that loses its leaves in winter and has bright red berries

is the same species but named commonly with a local informal name

possum haw

vsIlex decidua

9.9

A shrub that loses its leaves in winter and has bright red berries that attract birds

focuses on the plant's common local name rather than habitat

Surface Forms

Ilex decidua singular

Ilex deciduas plural

Morphology

Ilex + decidua

This is a Latin binomial combining the genus name Ilex (holly) with the adjective decidua (deciduous), so the sense 'deciduous holly' or possumhaw is directly derivable from the constituents. While the Latin form 'decidua' may be unfamiliar, a B1 learner who knows both parts (Ilex = holly and decidua ≈ deciduous) can transparently infer the meaning.

Etymology

Ilex decidua is named with Latin words: Ilex means holly and decidua means 'falling off', because it loses its leaves. People also call it 'possumhaw' since possums and birds eat the bright red berries in winter, so the name points to a holly that drops leaves but still feeds animals.