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Woody > Ilex > Ilex verticillata > Ilex verticillata

Ilex verticillata


Winterberry




            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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A shrub often planted for winter interest where its berries can make an outstanding show. Otherwise, it is a homely, back of the border type tramp.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Aquifoliaceae
Genus
Ilex
Species
verticillata
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (deciduous)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
3–6
Canadian Hardiness Zone
4–6
Height
1.5– 3 m
Spread
1.5–3 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
June
General Description
Green leaves with red berries, needs both male and female parents to produce fruit, red berries present all winter long.
Cultivation
Grows good in moist soils, in full sun to partial shade.
Shape
Oval.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Deciduous, alternate leaves, red fruit may be present, multi-stemmed suckering habit, usually forming a clump.
Pests
Tar spot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Swamps and marshes, central USA and parts of Canada.
Bark/Stem Description
Dark grey to dark brown, has a twist to it.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Small 1.5 mm long, brown in colour, buds are smaller than leaf scar.
Leaf Description
Leaves are ovate, usually 4–6 cm long, dull dark green and somewhat pubescent.
Flower Description
Male – in clusters of 6 or more in axils; Females - less, single or in groups of three; flowers can be yellow, white/cream, and green/brown, not all that showy.
Fruit Description
Ilex is dioecious with the drupe formation needing a nearby male plant. Lustrous, orange-red fruit that persist through the winter; 8 mm in size.
Colour Description
Flowers are yellow, white–cream, green–brown, the bark can be dark grey to brown, bright red berries in autumn.
Texture Description
Medium in summer and winter.
Notable Specimens
The A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario.
Propagation
Early spring cuttings are best, although seed is another, but unreliable option.
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