Species of Holly – Tendrils

Scarlet Berries On Leafless Branches

November 12, 2025

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), a species of Holly. Native to eastern North America in the United States and southeast Canada. By mid to late summer presenting a lovely contrast of rich green leaves with red berries sprinkled throughout.

In mid autumn the leaves have fallen like so many others, leaving just the scarlet reminders of summer. Red against the warm color of tan against the nearly black and white landscape that will soon be winter.

Scarlet treats for the birds of the forest.

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Crimson in a Black and White Landscape

Late May into June they go from tiny bud to minuscule flower.

A flower and lots of buds of Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). A deciduous species of Holly native to eastern North America in the United States and southeastern Canada.

And now in WINTER a big splash of color. Crimson berries that attract oodles of birds like Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, and Cedar Waxwings. Brilliant color in a black and white, pen and ink landscape.

Winterberry Revisited

At the very top of my favorites for wintertime shrubs — Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). A deciduous species of Holly. Native to eastern North America, and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Winterberry is a dioecious bush that gets tiny inconspicuous flowers in June and July that attract bees and butterflies and is the host plant for one butterfly in particular, Henry’s Elfin Butterfly. Birds love the brilliant crimson berries which cling to their leafless branches in winter. I love them too, for their elegant beauty.