April 3: Common Winterberry

Ilex verticillate

Common winterberry produces brilliant red berries that attract birds late into the winter. Cut branches offer a colorful accent to holiday wreaths and decorations. Native to swampy areas, winterberry is a low maintenance plant that will thrive in wet or well-drained sites. Both male and female plants are required for fruit set; one male is sufficient to pollinate ten female plants.

ohionativeplantmonth.org

Photo by Ann McCulloh