Winterberry, Common winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Physical Characteristics

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. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Tennessee..

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea A tea is made from the dried and crumbled leaves[161, 177]. It does not contain caffeine[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Astringent Cathartic Malaria Skin Tonic The bark is antiseptic, astringent, cathartic and tonic[4, 238]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, malaria etc, and externally in the treatment of indolent sores and chronic skin disease[4, 238]. The bark contains about 4.8% tannin[4]. It is harvested in the autumn before the first frosts[4]. Another report says that the bark is harvested in the spring and dried for later use[238]. The fruit is cathartic[4].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274]. The fruit is poisonous[177].