Black-alder
Ilex verticillata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ilex verticillata is a native deciduous holly shrub found across eastern North America that produces bright red berries in fall and winter. It blooms in June and July, attracting bees and other pollinators to wetland areas.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black-alder as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
60"–180" H × 60"–180" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, wasps, flies
Winterberry is a native deciduous holly that produces clusters of bright red berries on bare branches in fall and winter. This shrub grows 5-15 feet tall and wide, preferring moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions. The berries provide exceptional winter interest and persist through most of the cold season.
Growing Black-alder
Grow Black-alder in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 60 to 180 inches tall and spread 60 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Black-alder is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Requires consistent moisture which may need irrigation in drier locations
Wildlife value
Host plant for Henry's Elfin, Brown Elfin.
Flowers attract bees, beetles, wasps, and flies during summer blooming period. The bright red berries are highly valued by birds including robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds throughout winter.
Common questions
- When does Ilex verticillata bloom?
- Black-alder blooms during June and July, producing small white flowers that attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.
- Where is Ilex verticillata native?
- This deciduous holly is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and eastern Texas.
- What growing conditions does black-alder prefer?
- Ilex verticillata thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens and wetland edges.
- What pollinators visit Ilex verticillata?
- The small flowers attract a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, beetles, wasps, and flies during the summer blooming period.
- Is Black-alder toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black-alder as toxic to livestock.
- Is Black-alder HOA-friendly?
- Black-alder is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Black-alder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz