A native holly producing dramatic red berries that persist into winter.

Also called: Winterberry Holly, Black Alder

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 1.5–4 m
LifespanPerennial; 50+ years
OrderAquifoliales
FamilyAquifoliaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Ilex verticillata, the winterberry, is a species of holly native to eastern North America in the United States and southeast Canada, from Newfoundland west to Ontario and Minnesota, and south to Alabama.

Source: Wikipedia — Ilex verticillata Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Deciduous shrub with oval serrated leaves; brilliant red berries in fall and winter (female plants only).

Similar species. American Holly (evergreen). Other deciduous hollies.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Native deciduous holly with brilliant red berries that persist through winter; spectacular winter color.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Wetlands, swamps

§ Threats

Wetland loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the winterberry holly is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native winterberry.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Native Plant Trust