winterberry

Also known as: feverbark; swamp winterberry; black alder

Large, suckering, deciduous shrub, growing about 2m tall, with bright green, oval to lance-shaped, toothed leaves, turning yellow in autumn. Clusters of small white flowers in mid-spring, are followed on female plants by masses of long-lasting, glossy red berries if pollinated by a male plant; berries often persisting into winter

Scientific classification

Species: winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Genus: Ilex
Family: Aquifoliaceae

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Shrubs
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Suckering
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

winterberry pictures

Distribution of winterberry

Distribution map

Eastern North America

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of winterberry

Information to be completed

winterberry care guide

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering. Trim hedges in early spring.