Bush in Swamp w/ Red Berries ???

[g_man]

I was going thru a frozen swampy area today and came across a bunch of these bushes. Several partridges seemed to be enjoying them. I know it is a hard time of year w/o leaves but can anyone tell me what they are. Berries don't seem to have any seeds in them. Thanks

 

 

[SwampDonkey]

winterberry Ilex verticillata a holly species


If branch tips are purple then, mountain-holly Nemapanthus mucronata , not a real holly. get it?

Both, wet site indicators.

Birds love the fruit of both.

I will go with winterberry, as many folks harvest the branches with berries for Christmas decorations outside.

[g_man]

Thanks. I need to get a bush and shrub ID book.

[SwampDonkey]

Mother's cousin took a photo of a winterberry arrangement outside and made a Christmas card from it. Pictured in the photo was the arrangement of winterberry being invaded by 6 cedar wax wings. So much for the winterberries. 

[Geo.]

Sure looks like what we (in Ct. & R.I.) call Black Alder. Small shrub, dark grey twigs, swampy areas. People are prone to hack em up for wreaths this time of year 'cause of the pretty berries.

[thecfarm]

So that's the latin name for that plant. Been a REAL good year for them. I cannot remember a year that I have seen so many and all in one place too at times. Most years I can find them in certain places,but this year they are all over the place it seems. We just called them Christmas Berries. Just a bush,no good for wood.

[g_man]

Thats how my little swamp is. I dont recall seeing a swamp full of red berries before, But this year they are every where in there.