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Catberry

Ilex mucronata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Catberry (Ilex mucronata)
Photo: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Catberry (Ilex mucronata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–96" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, IL, IN, MA and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Winterberry holly is a deciduous shrub that produces bright red berries in fall and winter after the leaves drop. It grows 3-8 feet tall with an upright, somewhat open branching structure and requires both male and female plants for berry production.

In an HOA neighborhood

Catberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Looks bare in winter after berries are consumed
  • May appear sparse when young

Wildlife value

The small spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The persistent red berries are an important winter food source for birds including robins, cedar waxwings, and woodpeckers.

Common questions

How much sun does Catberry need?
Catberry grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Catberry bloom?
Catberry blooms in May and June.
Where is Catberry native?
Catberry (Ilex mucronata) is native to CT, IL, IN, MA and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Catberry attract?
Catberry draws bees and beetles.
Is Catberry HOA-friendly?
Catberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Catberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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