Winterberry for birds in Wisconsin
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter. Native to Wisconsin, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Ilex verticillata
- Native status
- Native in Wisconsin
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Wisconsin birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 27
Growing conditions in Wisconsin
Humid continental, with two Great Lakes shorelines, northern forest and southern prairie-oak savanna.
Warm, humid summers.
Wisconsin birds that use Winterberry
Year-round residents (9)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay
Summer breeders (18)
Eastern Bluebird, White-throated Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Towhee, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Palm Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (2)
Cold, snowy winters; boreal finches visit the north.
Nesting season it supports in Wisconsin
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 — May–August
- Eastern Bluebird — May–August
- House Finch — May–August
- Purple Finch — June–July
- American Robin — May–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Northern Flicker — May–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — June–July
- Orchard Oriole — June
Native plants to pair with Winterberry in Wisconsin
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Winterberry native to Wisconsin?
Yes. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is recorded as native in Wisconsin. Wisconsin spans USDA 3b–6a.
What birds does Winterberry attract in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, Winterberry supports 29 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Winterberry help nesting birds in Wisconsin?
27 of those birds nest in Wisconsin: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July).
Which winter birds use Winterberry in Wisconsin?
Winter visitors Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Wisconsin during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Wisconsin
- 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.