winterberry - Ask Extension
I am purchasing winterberry seedlings from the tree sale at Kalamazoo Conservation. I assume they are female. Where can I get the male plants needed...
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winterberry #894261
Asked March 12, 2025, 5:33 PM EDT
I am purchasing winterberry seedlings from the tree sale at Kalamazoo Conservation. I assume they are female. Where can I get the male plants needed for pollination?
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Rose, Thank you for using our Ask Extension service!
Were you told by the conservation folks that the seedlings definitely were female? Since the sex of the plant is not able to be determined as a small seedling, you need to plant multiples (3 or more) of Winterberry to increase your chances of receiving a mix of male and female plants for proper pollination.
If you need to purchase additional seedlings, you should be able to find them at your local landscape nurseries. There are online sources as well. Just search for "winterberry seedlings."
Winterberry(Ilex verticillata) is a highly adaptable shrub which is loved by many songbirds and small mammals. Exhibiting dark green foliage, in early summer it produces inconspicuous white flowers on the densely branched stems. Brilliant red berries offset the 2-3" leaves in late summer. Berries may remain on the plant into winter. Winterberry is suitable for hedges, rain gardens and specimen plants in the landscape. Prefers acidic soil. For proper pollination, be sure to plant a minimum of three Winterberry shrubs.
Be advised, the fruits of Winterberry are poisonous to humans.
Were you told by the conservation folks that the seedlings definitely were female? Since the sex of the plant is not able to be determined as a small seedling, you need to plant multiples (3 or more) of Winterberry to increase your chances of receiving a mix of male and female plants for proper pollination.
If you need to purchase additional seedlings, you should be able to find them at your local landscape nurseries. There are online sources as well. Just search for "winterberry seedlings."
Winterberry(Ilex verticillata) is a highly adaptable shrub which is loved by many songbirds and small mammals. Exhibiting dark green foliage, in early summer it produces inconspicuous white flowers on the densely branched stems. Brilliant red berries offset the 2-3" leaves in late summer. Berries may remain on the plant into winter. Winterberry is suitable for hedges, rain gardens and specimen plants in the landscape. Prefers acidic soil. For proper pollination, be sure to plant a minimum of three Winterberry shrubs.
Be advised, the fruits of Winterberry are poisonous to humans.
