Also known as Black Alder · Black Holly · Virginia Winterberry
Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly known for its stunning bright red berries that persist through winter, providing color and food for wildlife.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Full sun promotes the best fruit production, but it tolerates partial shade.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers consistently moist, boggy conditions. Avoid drying out.
Moist, acidic to neutral soils
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, suitable for USDA zones 3-9.
Low Maintenance
25% intensity
Benefits from annual organic matter. Minimal feeding required.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Ilex verticillata thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. Aim for even moisture, mimicking its natural boggy habitat.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather but never let the roots desiccate.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. To encourage flowering and fruiting, prune lightly to shape and maintain desired size.
For larger plants, thinning out the center can improve air circulation and plant health.
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Root cuttings in a moist, well-draining medium.
Scarification and stratification of seeds are necessary for germination, making cuttings a more reliable method for home gardeners. Patience is key for successful propagation.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth emerges. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix.
Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a shaded location for a few weeks.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Where Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Species | Ilex verticillata |
Similar in genus Ilex
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
