Trees that Bear Red Berries in Winter

When fall turns the corner into winter, home landscapes can become a bit bleak. To break the monotony of leafless trees against a white, snowy backdrop, trees that bear red berries are quite welcome in many residential gardens. Some also provide a source of food for birds during the winter and of holiday decorations for the gardener.

American Holly

American holly (Ilex opaca) is a small evergreen tree that produces red berries in the fall that remain on the tree through the winter. Drought-tolerant and generally disease-resistant, American holly is a low-maintenance tree that pays off big with high ornamental value in the winter. Hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9, American holly trees thrive when grown in full sun or partial shade.

European Mountain Ash

Native to Europe and Asia, the European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the rose family. It is the most widely cultivated mountain ash species, according to agriculturists with North Dakota State University. This is no doubt because of the highly ornamental nature of the European mountain ash, with small white flowers that give way to bright red berries that persist well into winter. European mountain ash is hardy to zone 3.

Hawthorn

The hawthorn (Crataegus spp) is a small tree in the rose family. Depending upon variety, the berries can be quite large and appear in varying shades of red. 'Lavelle,' a popular variety, produces orange-red berries that last until January. 'Winter King' is even more spectacular in the winter with its 1/2-inch red berries set against silver bark.