Winterberry holly is usually found in swamps, low woods, and along ponds and streams. It has smooth gray bark and toothed dark green leaves up to 3” long. Greenish-white flowers appear in late spring and attract pollinators. Female flowers give way to bright red berries in the fall that persist into early spring and are a food source for many birds and mammals, but are NOT edible to humans. Only fertilized female flowers produce berries, so it is recommended to plant multiple plants to ensure both male and female are present (one male can pollinate 6-10 females). Will form thickets if suckers are not cut. Mature height and spread of up to 12’. Prefers acidic, moist soils in full sun to part shade and is tolerant to poorly drained soils.
Winterberry holly is usually found in swamps, low woods, and along ponds and streams. It has smooth gray bark and toothed dark green leaves up to 3” long. Greenish-white flowers appear in late spring and attract pollinators. Female flowers give way to bright red berries in the fall that persist into early spring and are a food source for many birds and mammals, but are NOT edible to humans. Only fertilized female flowers produce berries, so it is recommended to plant multiple plants to ensure both male and female are present (one male can pollinate 6-10 females). Will form thickets if suckers are not cut. Mature height and spread of up to 12’. Prefers acidic, moist soils in full sun to part shade and is tolerant to poorly drained soils.
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