Seeds - Common Winterberry

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous native shrub known for its bright red berries that persist throughout the winter, adding a beautiful splash of colour to winter landscapes. This shrub, reaching up to 2.5 meters in height, is particularly valued in natural gardens for its dark green foliage and upright branches. In late spring, it produces small, inconspicuous whitish flowers. Common winterberry is dioecious, meaning that both male and female plants must be planted in order to produce berries. It prefers acidic, moist to moderately dry soils and thrives in wetland areas such as stream banks and marshy zones.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Winterberry has febrifuge properties and has traditionally been used to relieve certain ailments. However, its berries are toxic if ingested in large quantities by humans, so they are typically used for ornamental purposes rather than culinary uses.

Ecological Roles
Winterberry plays an important ecological role, especially in winter, when its berries provide a valuable food source for birds. The berries attract species such as thrushes and robins. Additionally, this shrub helps stabilize wet soils and contributes to marshland and riverside habitat biodiversity.

Common winterberry seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.