Love plants?  Love berries?  Love a little color during the dreary New England winter season?  If so, then you’ll love this month’s featured species:  Ilex verticillata or more commonly known as Winterberry. 

Winterberry, a member of the holly (Ilex) genus, is a species native to the eastern United States and southeast Canada.  Unlike most hollies that are ordinarily found in the landscape trade, Ilex verticillata is a deciduous species, not evergreen, meaning it loses its foliage in the winter.  However, as the common name suggests, this plant makes up for its lack of winter foliage by producing a striking profusion (summer foliage) of berries throughout the fall and winter months.  Depending on the cultivar, the berries range from orange to red in color and are a favorite attraction for birds.  These branches with berries are often cut and used in floral arrangements and home decorations, photographed, and illustrated in print and media: signifying classic winter in New England.

During the spring and summer, Ilex verticillata may not be the leading lady, but that does not mean it does not play an integral supporting role in the landscape.  This versatile species provides a glossy green backdrop that is perfect for mass plantings, woodland edges and wetland areas.  Growing into a large (average 6-10’) upright shrub, Ilex verticillata can be grown in full sun to part shade, and although it  (Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold') prefers moist soils and swampy areas, it may be planted in upland soils as well.

Similarly to most Ilex, this species has separate male and female plants.  This means that a male plant is required to be planted within the proximity of the female plant in order for the female to produce the fruit (berries).  Typically in the New England area there are enough wild plants growing in the woods to pollinate any female plant that is installed in one’s landscape. However, it is recommended to plant at least one male within 100’ of the female to ensure proper pollination and fruit production.  The Ilex verticillata Red Sprite, most commonly sold male cultivar, is Ilex verticillata Jim Dandy.  A variety of female cultivars ranging in size and color are readily available in the nursery trade, making it easy to find the perfect one for every landscape.