| Description | Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a medium to large shrub that tolerates wet areas. Produces ornamental red fruit on the female plant. |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Shrubs Deciduous, Site author's observations |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
| Sunlight | full to partial shade |
| Moisture | average to wet |
| Soil & Site | native to swampy soils, high ph will cause chlorosis, preferred ph range is 4.5-6.5. |
| Flowers | male and female flowers on separate plants, both flowers have little ornamental value |
| Fruit | red berry-like drupe produced on the female plant. |
| Leaves | alternate simple, green during the summer, yellow fall color that is variable from year to year |
| Stems | twigs are slender, with gray to gray-brown color |
| Roots | fiborus |
| Dimensions | 5 -15 feet tall, depending on growing site |
| Maintenance | plant 1 male to 3-4 female plants for good fruit set |
| Propagation | seeds which need cold stratification, cuttings |
| Native Site | Eastern United States |
| Misc Facts | The berries are relished by many animals but are poisonous to humans. |
| Author's Notes | I have had 3 female and one male Winterberry in one of my gardens for years. This area is moist and 3/4 day sun. If we have a normal summer with adequate moisture the shrubs will be covered with red berries in the fall, until the birds find them. They are about 4 by 4 feet and never have been pruned. I provide them with acidic fertilizer in the spring and fall. |
| Notes & Reference | #1-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr) |
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