Common Winterberry

Tagged as: Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds, Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs, Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites, Plants for Shady Sites, native, Intermediate Sized, Interesting Fruits of Trees & Shrubs, Four Season Landscape

Botanical name:  Ilex verticillata*
Common name:  Common Winterberry

Click an image to enlarge.

Height:  6-10'
Spread:  6-10'
Form:  Upright
Rate:  Medium
Zone:  3-9
Cultural/comments:  Sun to part shade; prefers moist (to wet) acidic soil; bright red, persistent fruit; requires male and female plants for fruit set

Birds Attracted: 20+ species including hermit thrush, thrashers, finches, and cardinal
Plant Appeal: Fruits ripen in fall and persist into winter

Spring Qualities (April & May):  Remnant fruits attract birds
SummerQualities (June-August):  Glossy dark green foliage
Fall Qualities (Sept-early Nov):  Maroon fall color**
Winter Qualities (Mid-Nov-Mar):  Abundant bright red berries on female plants; light gray stems**

Aerial Salt Tolerance: Moderate degree of salt tolerance; use in low exposed areas

Plant tolerant of flooded areas for extended periods of time.

* Native to Midwest
** Exceptional season

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