What are Winterberries Good For? Understanding the Toxic Truth
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                In a surprising twist for a plant named after a fruit, the berries of the common winterberry (*Ilex verticillata*) are toxic to humans and pets. While the vibrant red berries provide a stunning visual display in winter gardens and are a critical food source for birds, they are not a nutritional food source for people, and consuming them can cause serious illness.