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Heavenly bamboo and Winterberry holly: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Heavenly bamboo Nandina domestica	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Winterberry holly Ilex verticillata
	GO NATIVE
Native range
China and Japan	E. Canada to Central & E. U.S.A.See state guides
Sunlight
Sun to part or dappled shade	Part sun & shade
Soil moisture
Moist, well-drained soil	Moist to wet / Average moisture
Mature height
3–8 ft	3–15 ft
Mature spread
2–5 ft	3–12 ft
USDA hardiness zones
6–9	3–9
Season of interest
Spring flowers; fall–winter foliage and berries	Spring
Garden & wildlife value
Birds and small mammals eat the fruit, but the berries can harm birds.	Native berries supply winter food for birds, while leaves host Henry's elfin caterpillars.
Growing notes
An evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub that can spread by seed and underground stems.	Plant compatible male and female plants with overlapping bloom times for fruit; keep acidic soil moist.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.