Ilex laevigata, commonly known as Smooth Winterberry, is a deciduous shrub native to swampy woods, wetlands, and along streams in the Eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 3-10 feet (0.9-3 meters) and a width of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters), with a rounded form. The plant is known for its small, white to cream flowers that appear in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but are attractive to pollinators. In the fall, it produces a profusion of red berries that are highly ornamental and provide food for birds.

Smooth Winterberry is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, naturalized areas, or as a hedge in residential landscapes. It thrives in acidic, consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate standing water. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is also capable of growing in heavier shade. Smooth Winterberry is relatively low-maintenance, but it is dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are needed for fruit production. It can suffer from leaf spot and mildew, and occasionally from scale insects and spider mites.CC BY-SA 4.0