Inkberry

Scientific name

Ilex glabra

Description

Inkberry, also referred to as Gallberry, is an evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 4 m tall. The leaves are alternate, elliptic to obovate, leathery, and have mostly smooth margins, with a few teeth near tip. The greenish-white flowers grow in the leaf axils and bloom between May and June. The pollinated flowers develop into black berries that mature in early fall and persist throughout the winter. These berries tend to attract several species of birds and are an important winter food source. Inkberry can form dense colonies due to its root suckers, which can be beneficial in preventing erosion.

Planting conditions

Inkberry is a flood tolerant species and prefers moist to wet conditions. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. However, neutral and alkaline soils should be avoided, as it does best in soils with acidic Ph. Inkberry prefers full to partial sun conditions. It can naturally be found growing in bogs, coastal plains, and moist woodlands.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Acidic
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 4 m
• Spread:
  • 2-4 m