Winterberry, Winterberry holly

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Ilex verticillata
WINTERBERRY

Aquifoliaceae
E. North America

location: map coordinates J-3 (on Loop Road, just south of Woodland Trail entrance), N 39°11'14'' W 75°32'48''

Planting history: probably planted with new Loop Road ca 2000. Source probably (Terrain at) Styers (nursery), PA.

Descriptions:
  • deciduous shrub (or small tree)
  • etymology: Ilex from the Latin name for holm oak/holly oak (Quercus ilex); verticillata = whorled (for the clusters of axillary flowers/fruits)
  • also called winterberry holly (in holly genus Ilex)
  • leaves deciduous (shed in winter), alternate, serrate
  • polygamo-dioecious (separate male and female trees, with some perfect flowers); flowers small, whitish
  • fruits bright red, persist in winter, very attractive; eaten by many birds
  • native habitat is moist soils, swamps

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)


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