Does Ilex verticillata need sun?
Winterberry is a slow-growing shrub with a rounded upright growth habit. It typically grows 3 to 15 feet tall and readily suckers to form large thickets….How to Grow Winterberry Holly.
| Botanical Name | Ilex verticillata |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type | Medium-moisture to wet soil |
| Soil pH | 4.5 to 6.5 (acidic) |
Can you eat Ilex verticillata?
A native of eastern North America, winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a slow growing deciduous holly species that can grow up to 12 feet tall. Winterberry is considered poisonous if ingested, though only mildly so.
How do you take care of Ilex verticillata?
Plant winterberry shrubs in full sun to promote vigorous fruit and flower production, says the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute. The organization adds that you should provide partial shade at midday in areas with hot, dry summers. Avoid deeply shaded areas since the shrubs will become leggy and produce fewer fruit.
How do I know if I have an Ilex opaca?
It is most easily identified by its bright red berries, arranged in clusters along the length of the smooth, robust stems. The delicate, radially symmetrical, white male flowers of American holly are arranged in small clusters at the leaf axils. Female flowers are arranged singularly along the length of the stem.
Do hollies grow in winter?
Hollies are tough evergreens that can survive punishing cold as far north as USDA plant hardiness zone 5, but that doesn’t mean they are impervious to damage from winter sunlight, freezing temperatures and drying winds. Winterizing holly properly can make the all the difference, and it isn’t difficult.
How fast does Ilex verticillata grow?
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Planting Depth: | Same as root ball | Birds, squirrels |
| Height: | 3-15 feet, depending on variety | Borders, hedges, backdrops for perennials; cutting for vases |
| Spread: | 6-15 feet, depending on variety | Aquifoliaceae |
| Time to Maturity: | 2-3 years | Ilex |
| Water Needs: | Moderate | verticillata |
Is Ilex verticillata poisonous to dogs?
Winterberry poisoning affects dogs, cats, and horses. The berries and leaves of this plant are toxic, though typically at a milder level than other similar plants.
Are Ilex berries poisonous to humans?
Holly leaves, branches and berries are beautiful holiday decorations, but the berries are poisonous to people and pets. Swallowing holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness. Holly leaves might also cause symptoms if eaten but, because they are prickly, children usually leave them alone.
Can you grow holly in full sun?
Location, location, location. Holly bushes do best in well-drained, moderately acidic soil, in full sun. They don’t like to be transplanted, so think carefully about where you’ll plant.
What does Ilex opaca look like?
This species is easily identified because it is the only native U.S. holly with spiny green leaves and bright red berries. Thick, leathery, deep green leaves (2-4″ long) have spiny marginal teeth. Species is dioecious (male and female flowers are on separate trees).
What is the difference between English and American holly?
English holly has a deep green color and glossy finish. American holly leaves are a lighter, yellow-green with a dull sheen. Variegated leaves, ever popular during the holidays, indicate English holly.
Do hollies freeze?
What kind of tree is an Ilex opaca?
Beautifully shaped, Ilex opaca (American Holly) is an upright, evergreen tree of symmetrical, dense, pyramidal habit with stout, stiff branches bearing leathery, dark green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), adorned with spine-tipped teeth. Ilex opaca is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees.
What kind of flowers do Ilex verticillata produce?
Adding color in the winter landscape, Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub of upright-rounded habit. It produces an abundance of small, inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers in late spring or early summer.
Where can I find Ilex verticillata in Missouri?
The form of this plant found in Missouri is Ilex verticillata var. padifolia, which occurs in “shut-ins”, granite rocky stream beds and sandstone bluffs in only 4 counties in the southeastern part of the state (Steyermark). This is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub with an upright-rounded habit that typically grows 3-12’ tall.
Do you need male and female Ilex verticillata?
Ilex verticillata are either male or female shrubs. Both male and female plants are needed to have berries. The male must be the same species as the female and bloom at the same time. Use in groupings or masses for maximum effect. Grows with an upright-rounded habit up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).