Holly Winterberry Red

Holly Winterberry………Ilex verticillata 

Common Name: Winterberry Holly

Winterberry holly is a slow-growing, woody, deciduous tree or shrub native to Eastern North America and a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). The common name refers to the plant’s red berries that mature in the fall, providing winter interest and food for birds and small mammals. The species epithet means "having parts in whorls" and refers to the clusters of fruits appearing like whorls at the nodes of the shoots.

Winterberry holly requires moist, acidic soil with good drainage in deep or partial shade, or full sun. It tolerates heat, drought, and soil compaction. It may abort fruit set in dry soil. It is resistant to deer foraging, fire and salt. To produce berries, the plant must be properly cross-pollinated. Match blooming times with a male pollinizer like 'Jim Dandy' or 'Southern Gentleman' by planting one male (per 10 to 20 females) within 50 feet of female plants.  

Winterberry is low maintenance and makes a nice border or hedge in pond areas, rain gardens, and recreational play areas. It may grow 3 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 12 feet wide. There are dwarf cultivars available. The plant tolerates pruning, but keep in mind that flowers will appear on new growth. It is a food source for butterflies, pollinators, small mammals, songbirds, and specialized bees. 

It is a good addition to native, winter and pollinator gardens and is also popular as a foundation planting.  

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

• Deciduous shrubby holly with persistent red berries.
• Leaves are serrated and veins are pubescent underneath.
• Leaf veins are impressed on the upper surface of the leaf. 

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: The native holly leafminer, Japanese wax scale, and southern red mites are the most frequently reported pests of hollies in the southeastern United States. Leaf spots and powdery mildew occasionally occur. Neutral to alkaline soils may cause chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and even death. 

Genus:

Ilex

Species:

verticillata

Family:

Aquifoliaceae

Uses (Ethnobotany):

Hedge, Rain Garden

Life Cycle:

Woody

Distribution:

Eastern North America

Fire Risk Rating:

low flammability

Wildlife Value:

The Winterberry is a host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly and attracts other pollinators. Its fruits are eaten by over 48 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, and small mammals. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. The foliage is food source for rabbits and deer.

Habitat Value:

Attracts Pollinators

Wildlife Food Source

Wildlife Larval Host

Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

resistant to fire and mildly resistant to damage by deer. Heat, drought, and soil compaction tolerant.

Dimensions:

Height: 3 ft. 0 in. – 15 ft. 0 in.

Width: 3 ft. 0 in. – 12 ft. 0 in.

Light:

Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Soil Texture:

Clay

Loam (Silt)

Sand

Soil pH:

Acid (<6.0)

Soil Drainage:

Good Drainage

Moist

Occasionally Wet

Available Space To Plant:

3 feet-6 feet

NC Region:

Coastal

Mountains

Piedmont

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b