Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly that is native to the Eastern United States. It loves moist locations (think swamps, pond/stream banks, and wet woodland areas), but Winterberry can do very well in typical garden soils and part sun as long as it gets regular watering. Birds love the red berries that appear in the fall and last well into the winter. Winterberry reaches 4-12 feet in height and can about the same width as it spreads. Prefers acidic soils from 4.5 to 6.5 pH. Grows in Zones 3-9 depending on the variety.
![Winterberry bush in the fall](https://gardentutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Winterberry_Ilex-verticillata_shrub.jpg)
![Close up of foliage and red berries](https://gardentutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Winterberry_Ilex-verticillata_close_up_berries.jpg)
![](https://gardentutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Winterberry-in-late-fall.jpg)
![large winterberry bush along a stream with red berries in the fall](https://gardentutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Winterberry_Ilex-verticillata_shrub_by_stream.jpg)
![Winterberry bush close up of berries and leaves](https://gardentutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Winterberry_Ilex-verticillata_shrub_close_up.jpg)
![Winterberry variety 'Winter Gold' close up up leaves and golden yellow berries](https://gardentutor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Ilex_verticillata-_Winter_Gold.jpg)