Ilex verticillata Winter Red (Winterberry Holly)

Developed from a species native to eastern North America, this female cultivar is a deciduous shrub with an upright, rounded crown. It can spread through suckers. Its alternate leaves are elliptic to lance-shaped, with long pointed tips. When pollinated by a compatible male selection, it produces abundant bright red fruits that often persist throughout winter and sometimes into early spring. The berries provide food for birds but are harmful if eaten by people. Photographed in Florida.