Winterberry Holly
Ilex verticillata
Also listed as Ilex bronxensis, Ilex fastigiata
Also known as Winterberry, American Winterberry, Common Winterberry
Climate Match for your location
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A native deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant red berries that persist through winter, providing food for birds when other sources are scarce. Female plants require a nearby male pollinator to produce berries.
Why grow it
Winterberry holly differs from evergreen holly species by dropping its leaves in fall, which allows its berry display to remain fully visible through winter months. The persistent fruit provides reliable food for overwintering birds when native food sources are depleted. It tolerates wet sites and poor drainage better than many ornamental shrubs, making it useful in areas where other plants struggle.
Watch out for
Plant clusters of both male and female plants relatively close together (within 50 feet or so) to ensure reliable pollination and berry set. Winterberry may take several years to mature before producing abundant fruit. In drier climates or during drought, supplemental watering and mulching help maintain vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A native deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant red berries that persist through winter, providing food for birds when other sources are scarce. Female plants require a nearby male pollinator to produce berries.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Winterberry Holly grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Winterberry holly differs from evergreen holly species by dropping its leaves in fall, which allows its berry display to remain fully visible through winter months. The persistent fruit provides reliable food for overwintering birds when native food sources are depleted. It tolerates wet sites and poor drainage better than many ornamental shrubs, making it useful in areas where other plants struggle.
Watch out for
Plant clusters of both male and female plants relatively close together (within 50 feet or so) to ensure reliable pollination and berry set. Winterberry may take several years to mature before producing abundant fruit. In drier climates or during drought, supplemental watering and mulching help maintain vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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