Common Name: Winterberry

General Information

Ilex verticillata is an erect, deciduous shrub or small tree that usually grows around 1 - 6 metres tall, Plants often produce suckers in the wild and can develop into large thickets or colonies[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. A very ornamental plant, it is widely cultivated in gardens, often as a hedge, and is also grown on farms for the production of its decorative berries - there are many named varieties. The attractive red berries make it one of the most sought after red-berried hollies for Christmas decoration[].
Ilex verticillata has a very wide range and there are no major threats affecting or likely to affect this species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, Ilex species in general contain several potentially toxic compounds, particularly saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids. These compounds also often have a range of potential health benefits[, , ].
The berries are usually the part of the plant most likely to be toxic, though the degree of toxicity is usually low. Their bitter flavour usually prevents a person eating more than one or two, but even a small handful of the fruit eaten by a healthy adult is unlikely to cause more than feelings of nausea that can lead on to vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The compounds in the leaves are particularly interesting. The leaves of many Ilex species around the world are commonly used to make health-promoting teas that, when drunk on a regular basis, help to regulate bodily functions and can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood-cholesterol levels etc (See Ilex paraguariensis or Ilex kaushue for examples)[]. Even these teas, however, if taken in very concentrated doses, can act as a laxative or cause vomiting. Indeed, several species are used by traditional peoples to induce vomiting as a means of purifying the body (see Ilex guayusa or Ilex vomitoria for examples)

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and eastern N. America - Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Swamps, low woods and along streams and ponds, growing in wet, wet-mesic, and mesic acidic soils[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A very ornamental and cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -35°c[].
Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not water-logged[]. Plants often do poorly in neutral to alkaline soils where they are susceptible to chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and often die[]. Adaptable to both light and heavy soils, but it prefers moist, acidic, organic loams. It has a good tolerance for poorly drained soils including wet boggy or swampy conditions[]. This species tolerates wetter conditions than most members of the genus[].
A slow-growing plant in the wild[]. A number of named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[].
Flowers are produced on the current year's growth[]. The plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if required[].
Unlike most members of the genus, this species produces suckers[].
Resents root disturbance, especially as the plants get older[]. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required. Generally one male plant will be sufficient for pollinating 9 - 10 female plants[].

Edible Uses

A tea is made from the dried and crumbled leaves[, ]. It does not contain caffeine[].

Medicinal

The bark is antiseptic, astringent, cathartic and tonic[, ]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, malaria etc, and externally in the treatment of indolent sores and chronic skin disease[, ]. The bark contains about 4.8% tannin[].
The bark is harvested in the autumn before the first frosts[]. Another report says that the bark is harvested in the spring and dried for later use[].

The fruit is cathartic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A useful hedge plant - it is are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if required[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[, ]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the following year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up.
Layering in early autumn. Takes 2 years[].
Division in the dormant season.