Common Winterberry

(Ilex verticillata)

Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ilex verticillata, commonly known as Common Winterberry, is a deciduous shrub native to swampy woods, wetlands, and along streams and ponds in the Eastern USA and Southeastern Canada. It typically grows 1–5 m (3–16 ft) tall and can spread to form a dense thicket in wet sites or remain a more compact shrub in dry conditions. The leaves are glossy green, and the plant loses its leaves in the fall. Small, inconspicuous white flowers with five to eight petals appear in late spring to early summer. The plant is particularly noted for its bright red berries that persist into winter, providing a striking contrast against the bare branches.

Common Winterberry is valued for its ornamental berries, which are highly visible after leaf drop and add a splash of color to the winter landscape. It is a popular choice for naturalistic plantings and as a source of cut branches for floral arrangements. The plant is easy to grow, with few disease or pest issues. It thrives in acidic, consistently moist soils but is adaptable to average garden conditions. A mix of male and female plants is necessary for fruit production, with matching bloom times for successful pollination. Cultivation requires full sun to part shade, ample water, and soil with medium to slow drainage. Popular cultivars offer variations in plant size, berry color, and growth habit.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-12 feet
  • Width: 3-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Swampy woods, wetlands, and along streams and ponds

Other Names

Common Names: Virginia Winterberry , Black Holly , Black-Alder , Winterberry , Black Alder , Canada Holly , Coralberry , Fever Bush , Michigan Holly , Houx Verticillé

Scientific Names: Ilex verticillata , Ilex fastigiata , Ilex verticillata var. padifolia , Ilex verticillata var. tenuifolia , Prinos verticillatus , Ilex verticillata var. verticillata , Ilex bronxensis , Ilex verticillata var. fastigiata , Ilex verticillata var. cyclophylla , Ilex verticillata f. chrysocarpa

GBIF Accepted Name: Ilex verticillata (L.) A.Gray