Winterberry

Ilex verticillata
Aquifoliaceae
Ilex verticillata leaves flower JB
Ilex verticillata bark2 JB
Ilex verticillata form JB
Unlike other holly species, winterberry is not evergreen. Must plant male and female plants to produce showy red fruits. Rarely damage by deer browse.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for bees, butterflies, moths; berries winter food source for birds, small mammals
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
39
Bloom Time
Summer (May-Jul)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Tall Shrub (5-15 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Wet
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Leaf miner
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
6
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Rare
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Rare
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Absent
Bloom Color
White
Form
Shrub
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant to Salt in Soil: Tree will not become stressed when salt is present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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