Winterberry

Winterberry

Anishinaabemowin Ojibwe: Oshkiiminan
Ilex verticillata

Common Name Winterberry
Scientific Name Ilex verticillata
Type Deciduous native shrub
Light Full sun to partial shade
Moisture Moist to wet soils
Height 1.5–3 m 5–10 ft
Spread 1.5–3 m 5–10 ft
Soil Loam clay sandy loam tolerates acidic soils
Habitat Wetlands swamps streambanks wet meadows woodland edges

Ecological Value

Winterberry is a keystone shrub for fall and winter habitat Its bright red berries persist long after leaf drop providing critical late season and winter food for birds including robins cedar waxwings and overwintering species

As a native holly it supports pollinators in spring with small white flowers and contributes to layered shrub structure in wetland and riparian systems

Winterberry is a multi stemmed deciduous shrub known for its brilliant scarlet berries that illuminate the landscape after frost The foliage is clean and understated through the growing season then drops to reveal heavy berry clusters along bare stems creating striking winter interest

This species thrives in consistently moist soils and performs exceptionally well in rain gardens low lying areas bioswales and naturalized plantings It tolerates seasonal flooding and clay soils making it valuable for ecological landscaping and restoration work

Important note Male and female plants are separate A compatible male pollinator is required for berry production

Ecological and Climate Adaptation

Winterberry is well suited to Ontarios increasingly variable precipitation patterns Its tolerance for saturated soils and periodic flooding makes it ideal for water adaptive landscapes Deep root systems help stabilize soil in riparian corridors and stormwater systems while increasing biodiversity in managed landscapes

Planting to Protect Restoring to Thrive Origin Native Plants

1 Gallon