Winter Berry Plants

American Holly

• The American holly trees (Ilex opaca) that grow in southern states will typically be taller than those that grow in cold weather areas. In the South, American holly may reach 50 feet. The red berries that develop on the twigs easily last into the winter and, along with the evergreen leaves, provide vivid color, especially when snow is on the ground. American holly will do best if you can find a location that keeps it out of biting winter winds, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Only the female trees can produce the berries, but they need a male tree nearby for pollination.

American Beautyberry

• The berries that encircle the stems on an American beautyberry bush last into winter, but usually do not stay on the shrub if severe weather develops and lingers. American beautyberry will have clusters of these berries up and down its many stems, with the berries found where the leaves emerge from their axils, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. American beautyberry can grow to 6 feet and is suitable for planting in USDA Plant hardiness zones 6 through 10. The northern bobwhite is one species of bird that has an affinity for these berries, especially during the lean days of winter.

Red Chokeberry

• In addition to the berries that adorn the twigs of the red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), you also get brilliant fall foliage from this deciduous shrub. Red chokeberry gets its name from its fruit, which is so very astringent that you will gag if you try to eat any, although you can use the berries in jams and jellies. Red chokeberries grown in full sun locations will reward you with more flowers and subsequent fruits, as well as better fall color, than those placed in the shade. Red chokeberry can grow to 10 feet and the University of Connecticut Plant Database suggests that this shrub is an underused ornamental. The species is native to eastern states and parts of southern Canada.