Winterberry

Euonymus bungeanus Maxim.

Winterberry is a type of holly that loves the cold! It has bright red berries that stand out against the snowy landscape.

Habitat: Wetlands and forests

Appearance

The Winterberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree with green leaves that turn brilliant red or purple in autumn. It boasts clusters of pink-red, four-lobed capsules that split open to reveal bright orange seeds, creating a stunning visual display.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCelastralesFamilyCelastraceaeGenusEuonymus

Winterberry

Interesting facts

Birds can safely eat its seeds, which are poisonous for humans.

Despite its name, it’s not related to the common red-berried holly plants!

Its seeds look like tiny orange jewels bursting from bright pink cases!

Sometimes, this plant grows interesting corky 'wings' on its stems.

Special abilities

Winterberry's leaves turn fiery red and purple, attracting attention before falling off the branches.

It has brightly colored orange seeds that emerge from pink capsules, often staying on branches all winter.

Its seeds are eaten by birds, helping spread them, though they are toxic to humans.

Measurements & details

Height: 300-500 cm
Spread: 200-400 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: Moderate
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eats

Common Blackbird

Turdus merula

Consumes the toxic seeds for dispersal.

eats

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

Feeds on the persistent seeds during winter.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits the small flowers for nectar and pollen.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Winter Interest

Winter Interest refers to plants that provide aesthetic appeal through their foliage, bark, berries, or structure during the winter season.

Shrub

A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.

Cold Hardy

Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.

Fruit Bearing

Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.

Fruit Tree

A fruit tree is a perennial tree that produces fruit, which is edible to humans or animals.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.