Winterberry (Black Alder)

Common name: Winterberry (Black Alder)

Scientific name: Ilex verticillata

Dimensions:
  Flower: About ¼" (6 mm) wide
  Plant height: 3-10' (90-300 cm)

Blooming period: June-July

Habitat: Swamps, damp-dry thickets, edges of ponds

Description: Very small, white flowers, usually in clusters, rising from the leaf axils of this deciduous shrub; 4-8 sepals, petals and stamens. Leaves 2" (5 cm) long, egg-shaped or elliptical, sharply toothed, dull on top, usually downy on the veins underneath. Very showy in late fall and early winter due to bright red, berry-like fruit. Holly family. (July 3)