Ilex verticillata (Linnaeus) A. Gray. Section: Prinos. Common name: Winterberry, "Black Alder", Fevertree. Phenology: Apr-Jun; Sep-Nov. Habitat: Bogs, pocosins, swampy forests. Distribution: NL (Newfoundland) west to MN, south to Panhandle FL and se. TX.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, Can, Fl7, GW2, Il, K4, Mi, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, W, WH3, WV, Clark (2023), Godfrey (1988); > Ilex verticillata (L.) A.Gray var. fastigiata (E.P.Bicknell) Fernald — F; > Ilex verticillata (L.) A.Gray var. padifolia (Willd.) Torr. & A.Gray ex S.Watson — C, F, G, Mo2; > Ilex verticillata (L.) A.Gray var. tenuifolia (Torr.) S.Watson — F; > Ilex verticillata (L.) A.Gray var. verticillata — C, F, G; Prinos verticillatus Linnaeus — (basionym)
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACW
- Midwest: FACW
- Northcentral & Northeast: FACW
Heliophily ⓘ: 4
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Horticultural Information
Intro | Stems | Leaves | Inforescence | Flowers | Fruits | Comments | Height | plant sale text | bloom table text | description | stems | leaves | inflorescence | flowers | fruits | comments | cultural notes | germination code | native range |
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6-10 ft. | Winterberry grows into a dense, oval shrub that tends to sucker from the ground. The axillary red berries are a wonderful winter attraction. This species is especially useful for wet areas and as a specimen plant in the shrub border to add winter color. It is found throughout North Carolina growing along streams, wooded pond banks and in swampy areas. This species is dioecious, and only female plants produce fruit. An important pollinator plant, and the genus Ilex supports up to 34 lepidoptera species. It is the host plant for the Henrys Elfin butterfly. Birds enjoy the berries. | eastern North America |
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