Common Winterberry is best known for its bright red berries that remain on bare branches through fall and winter. Unlike most hollies, it loses its leaves in autumn, allowing the berries to become the main feature of the plant. It grows naturally in wetlands, swamps, damp woodlands, and along shorelines. Winterberry prefers moist, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for rain gardens, wet areas, native shrub borders, and winter-interest plantings. It tolerates wet soils but adapts to average garden conditions if moisture is reliable.

Common winterberry has a slow to moderate growth rate. It is an excellent low-maintenance shrub once established.
Berries are attractive but may be messy if planted near walkways.