Some wild Winterberry bushes (Ilex verticillate) here are showing large berries about a month early this year, perhaps because of our wet summer. Many of the bushes also appear to be suffering from a plant fungus, perhaps abated by the wet summer. The fungus looks like it might be Black Spot (Diplocarpon rosae), which should not adversely affect the berries
The little red Winterberry fruits are a major ingredient in nature’s winter survival kit for 49 species of birds, deer, raccoons, and white-footed mice. However, they can be toxic to pets and people. (Image taken in Brooklin, Maine, on September 10, 2021.) Click on image to enlarge it.