Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'
Common name: 
Red Sprite Winterberry
Red Sprite Winterberry Holly
Pronunciation: 
I-leks ver-ti-si-LA-ta
Family: 
Aquifoliaceae
Genus: 
Ilex
Synonyms: 
'Compacta',
Macrocarpa',
'Nana,
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous shrub, 3-5 ft tall (0.9-1.5 m), compact, rounded form.  Leaves alternate, simple, lustrous, dark green.  A female plant, produces large, bright red fruit, which often persist throughout the winter and sometimes into early spring.  Can be pollinated by 'Jim Dandy' and 'Appollo' (Dirr, 2009).
  • Sun to partial shade.  Adapts to many soil types, best in moist, organic soil.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 3     Introduced by Hampden Nurseries.  Apparently also sold under the following names; 'Compacta', Macrocarpa' and 'Nana'.
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  • plant habit, late summer, fruiting

    plant habit, late summer, fruiting

  • foliage and fruit

    foliage and fruit

  • leaves and fruit

    leaves and fruit

  • fruit, late fall

    fruit, late fall