We all look forward to the arrival of spring and the explosion of color in the landscape, but most of us don't expect the approaching winter season to provide much color. In fact, it's a time for dormancy and, therefore, a period of drab surroundings. Or is it?

Choices for the landscape include shrubs and trees which produce fruit or berries that provide striking color during the winter months. Two small trees which offer bright red winter berries are the Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) and Possumhaw holly (I. decidua). During the summertime, these trees look very much alike; but they look very different in the winter. The dark green leaves of the evergreen yaupon provide a wonderful backdrop for the red berries, while the bare branches of the deciduous possumhaw offer an equally stunning display of fruit.

Remember, in both cases, only female plants have berries. Most nursery stock is marked; or, if you visit the nursery in this season, the berries will be present on the plants. Be aware that dwarf yaupon holly will not have berries, since dwarf bushes are always male.

For maximum berries, plant the trees in full sun, and prune very lightly. Both hollies are well adapted to east Texas (and most of the south) and can be expected to grow and prosper with little or no attention. The reward is the winter color and the feast which the berries provide for the birds.

Martin Davis, Smith County Master Gardener