Size: 18-24”
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous native shrub that is prized for its striking bright red berries, which are critical for feeding wildlife in the harsh winter months. The berries appear in the fall and last through winter. In spring, the winterberry is a host plant for larvae of Henry’s Elfin Butterfly as well as providing nectar for other pollinators, giving this plant year round seasonal appeal. It is a medium to large shrub typically reaching 6 to 10 feet tall, occasionally larger. It spreads slowly by root suckering.
Requirements:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet, loamy soils
Key Features:
Bloom Period: Fall to Winter
Mature Size: 6 to 10 feet
Wildlife Value: Feeds many birds and pollinators, a host plant to Henry’s Elfin Butterfly.
Plant care:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Winterberry requires minimal additional watering. Minimal care required. Leave berries on the plant in fall and winter to provide food for birds.
———————————————————
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale.
Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
Size: 18-24”
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous native shrub that is prized for its striking bright red berries, which are critical for feeding wildlife in the harsh winter months. The berries appear in the fall and last through winter. In spring, the winterberry is a host plant for larvae of Henry’s Elfin Butterfly as well as providing nectar for other pollinators, giving this plant year round seasonal appeal. It is a medium to large shrub typically reaching 6 to 10 feet tall, occasionally larger. It spreads slowly by root suckering.
Requirements:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet, loamy soils
Key Features:
Bloom Period: Fall to Winter
Mature Size: 6 to 10 feet
Wildlife Value: Feeds many birds and pollinators, a host plant to Henry’s Elfin Butterfly.
Plant care:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Winterberry requires minimal additional watering. Minimal care required. Leave berries on the plant in fall and winter to provide food for birds.
———————————————————
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale.
Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
