The small shrub that resembles holly and produces numerous berries is often the Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). This deciduous holly is known for its bright red or orange berries, which persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds. Unlike traditional holly, Winterberry loses its leaves in the fall, but its berry-laden branches create a striking appearance in the landscape. It's commonly found in wetlands and can thrive in various soil types.
The plant you are describing is likely the firethorn (Pyracantha). Firethorn is known for its clusters of small orange berries and holly-shaped leaves. It is a versatile plant that can be grown as a shrub or trained against a wall.
The plant you are describing is likely a variety of the "Callicarpa" species, commonly known as beautyberry. It is an evergreen shrub that produces small purple berries which are often used as ornamental features in landscaping.
common dogwood
A blackcurrant is a shrub, Latin name Ribes nigrum, which produces small, dark purple, edible berries, or the berry borne by this shrub.
Yaupon holly is a small evergreen shrub that reaches about five feet in height. Because it is an evergreen, it is considered a perennial.
No.Holly is a shrub/tree. Many grow to be over 30 feet. The leaves are sharp and pointy. The berries are red.Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows in balls on other trees. The berry is white. The leaves are smaller and not sharp and pointy.
A bayberry is one of two plants, a plant of the genus Myrica, a North American shrub with aromatic leather leaves and waxy berries, or a shrub with aromatic leaves which are used in the preparation of bay rum.
Lycium shrubs typically have thorny branches with small, oblong-shaped leaves. They produce small, tubular flowers that can range in color from pink to purple. The shrub also bears small red berries that are often used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
To identify shrubs with black berries, look for plants with small, dark berries that grow in clusters. Pay attention to the shape and size of the leaves, as well as the overall growth habit of the shrub. You can also consult a field guide or use a plant identification app to help you accurately identify the shrub.
It could be elderberries
The reference to a "speckled cannonball" in the Christmas carol likely describes the appearance of the holly berry. Holly berries are small, round fruits that are often bright red with small white spots, resembling a speckled cannonball. Their festive appearance is commonly associated with Christmas decorations.
Holly yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is a small tree which grows in Florida and which has red berries. The tree in question matures to a height of 20 feet (6.096 meters) and showcases red berries and shiny leaves.