Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Winterberry
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
12.0
Growth Rate
Slow
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Commercially available
Yes
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF):
Additional Info
Alluvial swamps, seepage swamps, bogs, ponds, and depression swamps; occasionally in well-drained floodplain forests and mesic upland forests. Frequent throughout.
Wildlife Value: The Winterberry is a host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly and attracts other pollinators. Its fruits are eaten by over 48 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, and small mammals. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. The foliage is food source for rabbits and deer.
Warning: Although this shrub species is a good provider of wildlife food, its fruits are poisonous to humans.
Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Bloom Month
April
May
June
Fall Color
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Nurseries that may carry live plant
Carries Seeds (may not be available)