Winterberry, Common
At a Glance
Latin Name: Ilex verticulata
Zones: 3 – 9
Other common names: common winterberry, black-alder, northern holly, swamp holly, Michigan holly
Mature Height/spread: 3-12 ft.
Soil / Climate: Grows in wet areas near swamps, ponds, or wet woods.
Prefers rich, acidic soils. Hardy. Can tolerate partial shade but will produce more fruit if planted in full sun.
Long, oval, green leaves that turn brown to black in autumn. White flowers. Bright scarlet fruit grows in clusters and persists throughout winter. Prized ornamental often used for Christmas decorations.
Only female produces fruit and must have a male nearby for pollination.
Male plants have flowers in clusters. Female plants have single flowers, or in groups of 2 or 3. Female plants have flowers with a distinct green miniature “knob” in the center (the immature ovule), while male flowers are loaded with yellow anthers (the pollen-bearing structures).
Please note that the winterberry plants are grown from seed and not graded by sex prior to shipment. The seedlings are of no particular strain or cultivar.
Wildlife: The fruit is eaten by the black duck, bobwhite, mockingbird, catbird, and many others.
Wetlands
Shade tolerant
Brine tolerant
Winter-bearing seed holder, food source for wildlife.
Bareroot Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information