Winterberry for birds in West Virginia
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter. Native to West Virginia, where it feeds or shelters 28 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Ilex verticillata
- Native status
- Native in West Virginia
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- West Virginia birds supported
- 28
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in West Virginia
Humid continental Appalachian state with high ridges and deep river valleys.
Warm, humid summers; high ridges host northern breeders.
West Virginia birds that use Winterberry
Year-round residents (10)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, 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
Snowy winters at elevation; valleys milder.
Nesting season it supports in West 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 — April–August
- House Finch — April–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
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
Native plants to pair with Winterberry in West Virginia
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is Winterberry native to West Virginia?
Yes. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is recorded as native in West Virginia. West Virginia spans USDA 5b–7a.
What birds does Winterberry attract in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, Winterberry supports 28 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Winterberry help nesting birds in West Virginia?
23 of those birds nest in West Virginia: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Winterberry in West Virginia?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush use it in West Virginia during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — West 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.