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Ilex verticillata is often confused with:
Ilex montana Form
Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' Flowers
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cornus florida Cornus florida
Ilex opaca Ilex opaca
Liriodendron tulipifera Form
Ilex verticillata has some common insect problems:
Pests of Holly
Leafminers of Hollies

Ilex verticillata

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-leks ver-ti-sil-LAH-tah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Ilex.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Entryway Garden, Cabarrus County Extension Office Native Plant Demonstration Garden All Saints' Episcopal Church
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Afterglow', 'Berry Heavy', 'Berry Nice', 'Bright Horizon', 'Jim Dandy', 'Jolly Red', 'Red Sprite', 'Southern Gentleman', 'Sunset', 'Winter Gold', 'Winter Red'
Tags:
#deciduous#rain garden#native tree#nectar plant#salt tolerant#yellow leaves#winter interest#tsc#fall interest#year-round interest#showy fruits#stream banks#specialized bees#fire low flammability#NC native#deer resistant#bushy#children's garden#pond garden#playground plant#edible fruits#pollinator plant#Braham Arboretum#fantz#larval host plant#food source fall#food source nectar#food source pollen#Coastal FACW#Piedmont Mountains FACW#fall color yellow#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midspring#tsc-s#bee friendly#winter fruits#Audubon#shrub borders#landscape plant sleuths course#hedge#wildlife friendly#cpp#hs111#hs303#illustration
 
ilex verticillata fruit and leaves
fruit and leaves Nacho 13 CC BY 2.0
Color illustrations of the technical details of this species.
Ilex verticillata John Tobe CC BY-NC 4.0
Ilex verticillata in container
in container Superior National Forest CC BY 2.0
Ilex verticillata orange berries
orange berries James Steakley CC BY-SA 3.0
Ilex verticillata
Fruit detail Kerry Woods CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Ilex verticillata leaves and flowers
leaves and flowers SB Johnny CC BY-SA 3.0
Ilex verticillata
Flower close up Cranbrook_Science CC BY 2.0
Ilex verticillata leaves and berries
leaves and berries Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0
Ilex verticillata male flowers
male flowers Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org CC BY 3.0
Ilex verticillata
Form Tom Potterfield CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
ilex verticulata in fall in Moore County
in fall in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0
Ilex verticillata in summer in Moore County
Leaves in summer in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0
Ilex verticillata 'Bright Horizon'
Ilex verticillata 'Bright Horizon' in fruit Tom Potterfield CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
ilex verticillata berries with street lights in December
berries with street lights in December Rodger Evans CC BY-ND 2.0
ilex verticillata fruit in snow
Fruits provide winter interest. Plant Image Library CC-BY-SA 2.0
ilex verticillata fruit in snow and ice
fruit in snow and ice Kristine Paulus CC BY 2.0
ilex verticulata's form in the fall in Moore County
Form with yellow leaves in the fall in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' Form
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Form
Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Form Close-up
Form Close-up Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Fruit and Leaf
Fruit and Leaf Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Fruit and Leaf Close-up
Fruit and Leaf Close-up Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
'Jolly Red' Fruit
'Jolly Red' Fruit Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
'Jolly Red' Form
'Jolly Red' Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
'Jolly Red' Fruit and Leaf
'Jolly Red' Fruit and Leaf Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Ilex verticillata
'Winter Gold' Flower and Leaves Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Ilex verticillata
'Golden Verboom' Fruit Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Ilex verticillata
'Red Sprite' Fruit and Leaves Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Ilex verticillata
Fruit Form (Ashville, NC) Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Ilex verticillata
'Golden Verboom' Fruit and Leaves Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
'Winter Red' Full form
'Winter Red' Full form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
foliage and berries, winter, Catawba County NC
foliage and berries, winter, Catawba County NC Bob Peterson CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Ilex verticillata
Form and Berries (Wake County,NC)-Winter Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Ilex verticillata
Leaves and Berries (Warren County,NC) Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Ilex verticillata
'Little Goblin Red' Form (Warren County,NC) Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Ilex verticillata
Fall leaves and berries (Wake County,NC)-Early Fall Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Ilex verticillata
Leaves and Berries (Wake County,NC)-Early Summer Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Ilex verticillata
Branch with berries (Wake County, NC)-Early Winter Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Form - September - Warren Co., NC
Form - September - Warren Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY 4.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Afterglow', 'Berry Heavy', 'Berry Nice', 'Bright Horizon', 'Jim Dandy', 'Jolly Red', 'Red Sprite', 'Southern Gentleman', 'Sunset', 'Winter Gold', 'Winter Red'
Tags:
#deciduous#rain garden#native tree#nectar plant#salt tolerant#yellow leaves#winter interest#tsc#fall interest#year-round interest#showy fruits#stream banks#specialized bees#fire low flammability#NC native#deer resistant#bushy#children's garden#pond garden#playground plant#edible fruits#pollinator plant#Braham Arboretum#fantz#larval host plant#food source fall#food source nectar#food source pollen#Coastal FACW#Piedmont Mountains FACW#fall color yellow#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midspring#tsc-s#bee friendly#winter fruits#Audubon#shrub borders#landscape plant sleuths course#hedge#wildlife friendly#cpp#hs111#hs303#illustration
  • Attributes:
    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.
    Play 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Multi-stemmed
    Oval
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Bright red berry-like fruits on female plants persist into winter. Cultivars may have yellow-orange or orange fruits. Fruits ripen from August to December. Fruits are striking on bare branches.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    This plant has relatively inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that appear in the leaf axils in late spring. Blooms from April to June. Female flowers, if pollinated, give way to a crop of bright red berries (1/4” diameter) in late summer to fall.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Black
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblanceolate
    Oblong
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Doubly Serrate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Deciduous, simple, smooth, acuminate, cuneate, obovate to oblong-ovate 1.5-4 inches long double serrated or doubly serrated alternate leaves. Leaves are pubescent on veins beneath.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Black
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Light Brown
    Light Gray
    Red/Burgundy
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
    Bark Description:
    Grey to blackish with knobby lenticel bark, grey to grey-brown buds.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Lenticels:
    Conspicuous
    Stem Description:
    Stems are olive-brown to purplish-brown and are lenticelled.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Pond
    Recreational Play Area
    Riparian
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Fire
    Salt
    Wet Soil
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Minor toxicity. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits
    Leaves