| Common Name: |
Winterberry |
| Scientific Name: |
Ilex verticillata (Unsexed) |
| Category: |
Shrub |
| Habit: |
Deciduous |
| Bloom Color: |
Greenish-white - inconspicuous |
| Bloom Season: |
Late spring |
| Fruit Description: |
Flowers, if properly pollinated, give way to a crop of bright red berries (1/4 in. diameter) in late summer to fall. Berries are quite showy and will persist throughout the winter (hence the common name) and often into early spring |
| Foliage Description: |
Elliptic to obovate, toothed, dark green leaves (2-3 in. long) |
| Height of Plant: |
3-12 ft. |
| Spread of Plant: |
3-12 ft. |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 3-9 |
| Light Requirements: |
Full sun to part shade |
| Water Usage: |
Medium to wet |
| Soil Type: |
Easily grown in average soils; typically occurs in swamps, damp thickets, low woods and along ponds and streams |
| Native Range: |
Eastern North America |
| Maintenance: |
Low |
| Other Information: |
Winterberries are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Only fertilized female flowers will produce the attractive red berries that are the signature of the species. Generally one male winterberry will be sufficient for pollinating 6-10 female plants |
| Location: |
SWIZ Garden |