Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Going off the trail into the wetland, we came across a shrubby species with red berries on it. This species is known as common winterberry or winterberry holly. The leaves on this plant are usually wide and dull with distinct coarse teeth. Leaves may or may not have hair underneath. The bright red fruit begins to show in September or October and stays present throughout the winter.

This shrub can be found on the shores of rivers, lakes, swamps. and wetland margins. Its red berries provide a critical food source during the winter for birds and nesting habitats in the summer. It can be used as an ornamental plant but also benefits insects such as honey bees and butterflies.

Regardless of this tour is done in the winter or the summer, this ecologically important is surely a sight to see.