Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)Holly Family Winterberry Holly is a deciduous holly native to wetlands, floodplains, and moist thickets throughout eastern North America. This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 6–10 feet tall and wide, with smooth, dark green leaves that drop in fall to reveal dense clusters of bright red berries that persist into winter. As a dioecious species, both male and female plants are required for fruit set, with one male able to pollinate several nearby females. It thrives in part sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soil types, preferring moist to wet soils, but can also adapt to average moisture. In addition to providing winter fruit for birds, Winterberry is a larval host plant for several species of moths and butterflies. Its small, nectar-rich flowers also attract native bees and other beneficial insects in spring. Blooms: White, 2-3 weeks, Apri-May Leaves:Deciduous, dark green, 3” long Height: 3-15’ Space:3-12’ Soil:Avg-Moist, sometimes Wet Exposure:Part sun-Shade Fauna:High value plant–favored by small pollinators, host plant to multiple species of lepidoptera, fruit for bird Seeds:Bright red fruits containing seeds are favored by dozens of bird species Deer Resistance:High Zone:3-9 Native Status: NC native, common across the state Provenance:NC, seed grown
