Ilex verticillata - Winterberry
Produces beautiful, red berries that are displayed in abundance along it's stems. The berries are held into the winter providing a strong visual contrast against a snowy backdrop. This shrub is dioecious, meaning that each plant is either male or female. The female is the only one who produces berries and a male plant must be nearby for pollination. Does well in wet or moist acidic soil. Attracts pollinators.
Height : 3-12 feet Spread : 3-12 feet
Light : Full sun to shade Water : Medium to wet
Soil : Sand, loam, clay Zone : 3-8
Leaves : Green to dark green leaves. In fall leaves turn a yellow with purple-red tinge
Stem : Smooth gray to grayish brown on mature stems, twigs often a light brownish color
Flower : Small white flowers in early June. Not especially showy
Fruit : Only present on female plant. Bright red, glossy berries which are held into the winter. The berries are attached very close to the stem
Habit : Upright, rounded multi-stemmed shrub