John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s
Wildflower Spot – December 2006
WINTERBERRY
Ilex
verticillata
Truly a spectacular
sight in winter – long whips of red berries against a white
background, or any place where a spot of bright red is welcome.
This holly loses its leaves in late fall and until eaten by
songbirds, the sharp red berries are a standout in the winter
landscape. Winterberry likes soil somewhat wet and grows
to 15 feet tall. It does well in light shade to full sun.
Tiny white flowers appear in June, hidden among dull green
leaves with coarse teeth.
Written by Helen Hamilton, president of the John Clayton Chapter
of the Virginia Native Plant Society
