Golden Willow vs Winterberry - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Salix alba vitellina

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Winterberry
Golden Willow

Winterberry is a small shrub that produces large quantities of bright red berries that remain on the plant through the fall and into the winter. Adding this shrub to your yard will give it a unique splash of color and attract birds, especially after the leaves drop.

Note: although the foliage is attractive on its own, you need at least one male plant near your female plants or they won't produce berries.

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

Winterberry Quick Facts

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Foliage: yellow-green
Fall colour: bright orange to red
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: bright yellow
Berries: bright red, stays through winter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: black alder, canada holly, coralberry, fever bush, michigan holly, winterberry holly
Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow