Ilex Species, Winterberry Holly, Black Alder, Michigan Holly, Common Winterberry
Ilexverticillata

Family: Aquifoliaceae (a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Ilex (EYE-leks)
Species: verticillata (ver-ti-si-LAH-tuh)

Synonym:Prinos verticillatus

Category
Shrubs
Trees

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Deciduous
Provides Winter Interest

Foliage Color

Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)

Spacing
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
By simple layering

Seed Collecting
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed