Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Family: Aquifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ilex verticillata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Berries, Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

A tea is made from the dried and crumbled leaves. It does not contain caffeine. — A tea is made from the dried and crumbled leaves.; It does not contain caffeine.

Habitat & North American Range

Swamps, pond margins and damp thickets. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)