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Ilex glabra (Inkberry)

Glabrous leaves of native Ilex glabra (inkberry)
Ilex glabra fruit

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Tried and True Native Plant Selections Inkberry for the Mid-Atlantic This native* holly of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains displays lustrous evergreen foliage, which, along with its adaptability to varying light and moisture conditions, makes it a desirable alternative to finicky boxwoods. Wildlife favor its fruit and honey bees its nectar. Images by Elaine Mills, landscaping at Adventist HealthCare, Rockville, MD and private garden, Arlington, VA Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg. Shrub Shrubs, Close-ups of Flowers, Fruit, Leaves Height: 6–10 feet Spread: 6–12 feet Bloom Color: Greenish white Characteristics Evergreen with rounded to broad spreading form Dioecious: separate male and female plants Leathery, glossy, oval leaves, dark green above and lighter below, with finely toothed tips Small white flowers in May and June Small, black, berry-like drupes from September to March; male plant needed for females to bear fruit Spreads by root suckers to form colonies Attributes Tolerates shade, dry soil, wet soil, some salt, air pollution, and rabbits; dislikes alkaline soil No serious pests or diseases but may develop leaf spot; deer seldom severely damage Gallberry honey produced from nectar Attracts bees to the nectar and 15 bird species and small mammals to the fruit; provides cover Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Well-drained, acidic Barberis thunbergii - Japanese Barberry Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Buxus species - Boxwood Water Requirements: Moist, Wet Ligustrum species - Privets Protect from harsh winter exposure; prune to shape in spring before new growth appears Viburnum dilatatum - Linden Viburnum Use as a border, hedge, or for erosion control *In DE, it is common in the Coastal Plain. Its status in PA is extirpated. In VA, it is frequent to locally common in the south and central Coastal Plain; rare in the Piedmont; and not native to NoVA. Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Ilex glabra (Inkberry)

This native* holly of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains displays lustrous evergreen foliage, which, along with its adaptability to varying light and moisture conditions, makes it a desirable alternative to finicky boxwoods. Wildlife favor its fruit and honey bees its nectar.

*In DE, it is common in the Coastal Plain. Its status in PA is extirpated. In VA, it is frequent to locally common in the south and central Coastal Plain; rare in the Piedmont; and not native to NoVA.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets