Ilex Glabra, commonly called Inkberry is 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 and are a favorite of birds and wildlife. Gallberry honey is a highly-rated honey that results from bees feeding on inkberry flowers. This honey is locally produced in certain parts of the Southeastern U.S. in areas where beekeepers release bees from late April to early June to coincide with inkberry flowering time.

It is native to the coastal plain from Nova Scotia to Florida and is easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. This species differs from all other evergreen hollies by lacking spines on the leaves, only having teeth toward the tip of the leaves. Known for its lustrous, evergreen foliage and uniform habit when young, Ilex glabra is a quality landscape plant. Inkberry performs well in the garden as a foundation plant, back of border shrub and is an excellent evergreen in seasonally wet spots. The gentle, rounded outline compliments Juniperus virginiana, Rhus typhina, Cornus sericea, Ilex verticillata, Fothergilla gardenii and Hibiscus moscheutos.

3 Examples of Ilex Glabra Inkberry uses are show below

At Lincoln Landscaping cultivating the environment is our life and livelihood. It is our number one goal to help our clients create and maintain beautiful landscapes while reducing the impact on the environment. Whether you are interested in a pollinator landscape garden design and build or other landscaping or property management project; we can create for you an environmentally friendly, organic and beautiful property.