Newfoundland and Labrador · Shrub

Winterberry for birds in Newfoundland and Labrador

Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter. Native to Newfoundland and Labrador, where it feeds or shelters 20 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Ilex verticillata
Native status: Native in Newfoundland and Labrador
Hardiness zones: Canada 0a–6b
What birds get from it: fruit and berries
Newfoundland and Labrador birds supported: 20
Nesting birds among them: 19

Growing conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador

Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.

Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.

Newfoundland and Labrador birds that use Winterberry

Long, snowy, windy winters.

Nesting season it supports in Newfoundland and Labrador

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Winterberry:

Purple Finch — June–July
American Robin — May–July
White-throated Sparrow — June–July
Northern Flicker — May–June
Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Gray Catbird — June–July
Cedar Waxwing — July–August
Yellow-rumped Warbler — June–July
Eastern Kingbird — June–July

Native plants to pair with Winterberry in Newfoundland and Labrador

Pin cherry

Prunus pensylvanica · Tree

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea · Shrub

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.

Highbush cranberry

Viburnum trilobum · Shrub

Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.

Bayberry

Morella pensylvanica · Shrub

Waxy fruit carries Yellow-rumped Warblers through coastal winters.

Mountain ash

Sorbus americana · Tree

Orange berry clusters feed waxwings and robins into winter.

Frequently asked

Is Winterberry native to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is recorded as native in Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador spans Canada 0a–6b.

What birds does Winterberry attract in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Winterberry supports 20 backyard birds, including Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Does Winterberry help nesting birds in Newfoundland and Labrador?

19 of those birds nest in Newfoundland and Labrador: Purple Finch (June–July), American Robin (May–July), White-throated Sparrow (June–July), Northern Flicker (May–June).

Which winter birds use Winterberry in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Winter visitors Bohemian Waxwing use it in Newfoundland and Labrador during the cold months.

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.