Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous native shrub known for its striking cherry-red berries and critical role in supporting wildlife. Ideal for wet, boggy areas with full sun to partial shade, this shrub is a host plant for the larvae of Henry's Elfin Butterfly and provides nectar for bees and other pollinators with its inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in late spring. The berries, which appear in fall and persist through winter, serve as a vital food source for backyard birds and small mammals when resources are scarce.

Key Features:

• Wildlife Support:
  • Host plant for the larvae of Henry’s Elfin Butterfly.
  • Nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
  • Vibrant red berries provide essential food for birds and mammals during fall and winter.
• Seasonal Interest:
  • Spring: Greenish-white flowers emerge on leathery, dark green leaves.
  • Fall/Winter: Bright red berries bring vibrant color and sustain wildlife through colder months.
• Dioecious Plant: Requires both male and female plants for berry production. Female plants produce the striking red fruits, while male plants serve as pollinators. Opt for a 4-pack to increase the likelihood of berry production.
• Hardy and Versatile: Thrives in sun, part shade, or shade and adapts well to wet, boggy soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, streambanks, and naturalized areas.
• Eco-Friendly: Grown non-GMO and free of harmful neonicotinoids, promoting a healthy ecosystem for pollinators and wildlife.

Available in one gallon containers, ready for planting.

Why Choose Winterberry?

Winterberry is an exceptional choice for gardeners looking to combine beauty with ecological value. Its brilliant red berries provide essential winter food for wildlife while adding color and interest to your garden. Perfect for rain gardens, woodland edges, or naturalized landscapes, Winterberry is a low-maintenance shrub that supports pollinators and birds while enhancing your outdoor space year-round.

Planting Tips:

1. Location: Prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, acidic soils, making it ideal for boggy areas, rain gardens, and streambanks.
2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Winterberry requires minimal additional watering.
3. Maintenance: Minimal care required. Leave berries on the plant in fall and winter to provide food for birds. If desired, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches.

For more information on planting, view our How to Plant Your Native Plants guide and other planting tips in the Garden for Wildlife Learning Center. 

Enhance your garden with the ecological value and beauty of Winterberry. Its lush foliage, vibrant berries, and wildlife-friendly nature make it a standout shrub for supporting pollinators, butterflies, and birds while creating a stunning visual display year-round.

Shipping Range:

• CT
• DC
• DE
• IA
• IL
• IN
• KY
• MA
• MD
• ME
• MI
• MN
• NC
• NH
• NJ
• NY
• OH
• PA
• RI
• TN
• VA
• VT
• WI
• WV

Zip Code Verification: Our plants are grown regionally to thrive where you live and help local wildlife. Confirm availability for your area using the zip code checker near the add to cart button above.

Returns: Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to offer order cancellations, returns or exchanges. In order to guarantee your satisfaction, all plants are covered by our 365-Day Plant Guarantee.

*To ensure your plants arrive healthy, we may delay shipments to certain areas during times of extreme temperatures, natural disasters, or other conditions that will impact the plants during transit

Sizing: This shrub ships in a one gallon container with established root mass. In the fall, branches will be 24” to 32” tall with leaves. Spring shipments will be dormant with only branches and no leaves and a healthy one gallon root mass.

Recommended container sizes (in width) for container planting: