winterberry holly

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-15 ft. tall
3-12 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought, Occasional Flooding

Propagation

By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Three to 4 inch softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide at least 3′ spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No serious issues. May exhibit leaf spot or powdery mildew occasionally. Chlorosis may occur in soils that are too alkaline.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The simple, alternate leaves are oblanceolate, oblong, or obovate with serrate margins. Approximately 1.5-4 inches long.

Flowers

Small clusters of flowers grow from the leaf axils. Approximately 1/4 inch wide.

Fruit

Long lasting round drupes, about 1/4 inch diameter.

Bark

Gray to dark brown with knobby lenticels.

Toxicity

Low toxicity that may cause vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Bogs, pocosins, swampy forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina