The poet in us couldn't resist extolling the virtues of this plant in verse below.
Little winterberry jewel-
She isn’t as tall as the others.
(If you put her in a crowd
she might have to stand on her tip-toes to see the sun.)
But being closer to the ground has advantages, too.
Like fitting in small spaces,
or being closer to the ground
so she can hear the whispers of small creatures and birds
as they duck under her diminutive cover.
A merry little lady,
She wears her red clusters of pearls
Through the cold winter months
With a contagiously festive optimism.
Note: This adaptable species requires a male pollinator for berry production such as Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; average, acidic, medium to wet soils
Size: 3'-4' tall, 4'-6' wide
Zone: 3 - 9
Wildlife Value: The Winterberry is a host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly and attracts other pollinators. Its fruits are eaten by over 48 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, and small mammals. Members of the genus Ilex support the specialized bee Colletes banksi.
Photo: Samantha Nestory
