Table of Contents > Shrubs

Ilex verticillataIlex verticillata

winterberry, winterberry holly, black alder

Photograph(s) by*: USFWS BES

Characteristics

Height: 6-12'
Spread: 3-12'
Flowers: Jun.-Jul.; greenish white
Fruit: Aug.-Feb.; red; berry
Fall color: yellow to brown

Conditions *

Light: Full sun Partial shade Shade
Moisture: Moist Wet
Soil pH: 4.5-6.5
Soil type: Clay Loamy Sandy Organic

Habitat

fresh tidal swamps, shrub swamps, forested wetlands

Native to

Region: Coastal Piedmont Mountain *
States: MD DE PA NY WV VA

Wildlife

Songbird Waterfowl Small mammal *
high wildlife value

Notes

berries provide winter bird food, poisonous to humans; berries on female plants, need male plant to pollinate


 Publication by USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/plant/1316.htm
Last updated: 1 October 2004