Winterberry for birds in Virginia
Winter fruit. Native to Virginia, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Ilex verticillata
- Native status
- Native in Virginia
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–8a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Virginia birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 24
Growing conditions in Virginia
Humid subtropical in the east, cooler and snowier in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny highlands.
Warm, humid summers; House Wrens and hummingbirds breed statewide.
Virginia birds that use Winterberry
Year-round residents (11)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Blue Jay, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (13)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (5)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush
Moderate winters with periodic snow; purple finches and occasional northern finches visit feeders.
Nesting season it supports in Virginia
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Winterberry:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — March–August
- Blue Jay — April–July
- House Finch — March–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
Native plants to pair with Winterberry in Virginia
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is Winterberry native to Virginia?
Yes. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is recorded as native in Virginia. Virginia spans USDA 5b–8a.
What birds does Winterberry attract in Virginia?
In Virginia, Winterberry supports 29 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Blue Jay, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin.
Does Winterberry help nesting birds in Virginia?
24 of those birds nest in Virginia: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (March–August), Blue Jay (April–July), House Finch (March–August).
Which winter birds use Winterberry in Virginia?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush use it in Virginia during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Virginia
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.