Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

Preserve Education Coordinator Santino Lauricella is here to highlight the ethereal winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata). Unlike other holly, Ilex verticillata loses its leaves in autumn, so in winter the bare branches are bursting with crimson. It's a very beautiful effect in a snowy landscape! What sort of winter plants bring you joy in the chilly seasons?

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

Thanks for explaining the winter berry holly. I didn't know their were deciduous hollies. I think it would be a great addition to my property in support of the birds in winter.

[@BowmansHillWildflowerPreserve]

Winterberry is a beautiful and great option!

[@dianestephan9826]

Love the Winterberry Holly. It's really pretty. Thinking this might be really nice in our backyard. Thanks so much!!

[@BowmansHillWildflowerPreserve]

It's an excellent choice!

[@santinolauricella1388]

I think so too. I also feel like with our love of chocolate, you should have some hazelnuts too. :D

[@penny1295]

@@santinolauricella1388 love winterberry

[@nygreenguy]

One of my favorite plants. Also native and found throughout NY.

[@pakman6tih]

Like red osier and red/yellow stick dogwoods in the winter. Love Prairie grasses, too, and paper birch trees.

[@santinolauricella1388]

With the brilliant bark, I feel like paper birch brings a touch of deep woods winter to every season.

[@susanlauricella1557]

Beautiful color!

[@BowmansHillWildflowerPreserve]

We'll share some photos once the snow starts falling too!

[@sarahnorris8713]

great video, Santino!

[@santinolauricella1388]

Thanks, Sarah! :D

[@paulteese4221]

Another fine video! Informative content, nicely presented. It's great to have these videos available as someone who doesn't live so close to the Preserve anymore. Almost like being there.

[@lindaminisce5690]

The plants are beautiful in winter. The birds also find it a good plant for food.

[@nancyfenstermacher3247]

Well done! We are planting Berry Poppins winterberry this fall. It’s the first of several native plants we are adding to our landscape.

[@georgem1430]

We put 4 of these in our rain garden, but the berries never seem to last through the winter.

[@BowmansHillWildflowerPreserve]

Being such a late fruiting plant, they are a favorite for birds and other wildlife during winter! They were likely eaten.