Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Ilex glabra (L.) Gray
Inkberry, Gallberry
Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family)
A mound-shaped, colony-forming
shrub, somewhat open with age, 6-12 ft. tall and wide. Lance-shaped, sparingly-toothed, glossy, leathery foliage varies in color from dark- to light-green both in summer and fall. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by black berries which persist well into winter.
The Gallberry is a member of the holly family (family Aquifoliaceae) which includes shrubs and trees, small to medium-sized, rarely large; 300-350 species, nearly all in the holly
genus (
Ilex) in tropical and temperate regions, especially tropical America; 14
native tree and 2
native shrub species in North America. Leaves:
alternate, simple, generally leathery and
evergreen, sometimes with tiny stipules. Flowers: small, few clustered along twigs, whitish or greenish, regular, generally male and female on separate plants or bisexual;
calyx with 4 (sometimes 5) tiny
sepals or teeth; 4 (5) rounded whitish petals sometimes united at base, 4 (5)
alternate stamens inserted at base of
corolla, without disk, and 1
pistil with superior
ovary of 4 (3-5) cells of 1-2 ovules each, usually without
style, and 3-5 stalkless stigmas. Fruit: a round
drupe or
berry, red, black, or yellow, with stalkless stigmas, bitter pulp, and 3-5 nutlets.
Image Gallery:
3 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Green
Fruit: Black
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , LA , ME , MD , MA , MS , NH , NJ , NY , NC , PA , RI , SC , TX , VA
Canada: NS Native Distribution: Coastal plain from N.S. to FL, w. to LA
Native Habitat: Bogs; wet woods of coastal plains
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Sandy to peaty, acid soil.
Conditions Comments: Flood tolerant. You must have both a male and female plant to have berries. The male must be the same species as the female and bloom at the same time. Because hollies are such popular landscape plants, it may be worth the risk to plant a female and hope there is a male nearby. Withstands heavy pruning and renewal of old plants is suggested. Pest free. Considered weedy in some areas.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: High.
Warning: All Ilex species may be somewhat toxic if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Attracts: Birds
Last Update: 2010-04-17
