As winter arrives and Winterberry Holly loses its leaves, its bright, red fruits stand out among the landscape.
 
Winterberry is a larval host to the Lo Moth and other species, and it attracts native bees, flies, beetles, wasps and other pollinators. Songbirds and small mammals enjoy the fruits in winter when there's not much else to eat. The fruits grow on the female plants, and a male is needed within 50 feet for berries.
 
In spring Winterberry is covered with tiny white daisy-like flowers with greenish centers. This shrub makes a great hedge, and it works well as a foundation planting and incorporated into a native or pollinator garden.
 
Winterberry likes moist soil and tolerates poor drainage.
 
3rd Photo: Katja Schulz