Ilex verticillata
Aquifoliaceae
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
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_climate_tol.png)
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)
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_shade_sun_tol.png)
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_max_height.png)
Tall Shrub (5-15 ft)
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_growth_rate.png)
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_soil_type.png)
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.
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_soil_moisture_tol.png)
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
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_urban_stress_tol.png)
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
![](/themes/custom/cmp_b5/images/field_tree_lifespan.png)
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