The shrub attains a height of 6 to 10 feet. Hollies are dioecious. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. The cultivars 'Sparkleberry,' 'Winter Red,' and 'Christmas Cheer' produce abundant bright red berries. A male cultivar, such as 'Southern Gentleman' or 'Jim Dandy,' is required for pollination.
Winterberries do require acid soils.
Streamco' is a Soil Conservation Service, USDA introduction which was developed to prevent soil erosion along stream banks. The purpleosier willow is one of many willows that grow well in wet soils. The ripened fruit are good for jellies, preserves, and wines. The fruit are also attractive to birds. Aurea' has golden-yellow foliage and red fruit, while 'Laciniata' has cutleaf foliage.