Winterberries, Beyond the Holidays

Early December, I found the red berries from my winterberry bushes a colorful addition to my evergreen holiday decorations.  Bright red, natural-looking, and free — the easiest decorating decision I’d make all season.

But the berry-laden branches of these native hollies (Ilex verticillata) are still creating an impact well beyond the holidays. From my kitchen window, the berries are more visible than in past winters — brighter and more abundant. Even at a distance, they stand out, providing more color than anything else in my Hamptons garden right now.

I know winterberry bushes provide food for birds, but it struck me that the berries are still largely untouched. I discovered that winterberries are not birds’ most nutritious choice in early winter. It also turns out that the berries’ initial bitterness sweetens only after repeated freezes. These factors may explain why overwintering birds leave this pretty fruit for later when other foods are scarce.

For now, the winterberries are adding color in the quiet post-season borders. I’ll be interested to see when the birds decide the time is right to chow down.