Definition

Noun: 1. A species of holly shrub: Common winterberry holly is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its bright red berries that persist on bare branches through the winter. Its scientific name is Ilex verticillata.

Usage

• is a popular choice for winter gardens because its vibrant berries provide color and food for birds.
• To ensure a good berry set, you need to plant both male and female shrubs.
• The wetland edges were lined with .

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and horticultural contexts, the term is used precisely to distinguish from other related species like the smooth winterberry () or the evergreen American holly ().

Variants and Related Words

• Winterberry (noun): A common shortened name for this plant and related species.
• Black Alder (noun): A historical and regional common name for the same shrub, though it is not a true alder.
• Ilex verticillata (noun): The scientific Latin name for the species.

Synonyms

• Winterberry
• Michigan Holly (regional name)

Related Phrases

• Winterberry holly: A slightly more general phrase that can refer to this species or the broader group of deciduous hollies that bear winter fruit.

Noun

1. a holly shrub