Winterberry

Description

• Latin: Ilex verticulata
• Zones 3-9
• Purchase height: 2-3’
• Mature height: 3-12 ft
• Grows best in wet areas near swamps, ponds, and wet woods. Prefers rich, acidic soils
• Tolerates partial shade, but bears more fruit if planted in full sun
• Fruit persists throughout winter; eaten by black duck, bobwhite, mockingbird, catbird, and many others
• Only females produce fruit and must have a male nearby for pollination; male plants have flowers in clusters while female plants have single flowers, or groups of 2-3. Plants are not graded by sex prior to shipment.