Ilex glabra
Inkberry
General
An attractive evergreen shrub that grows mainly in sandy or coastal areas. Inkberry will tolerate seasonal flooding and some salinity.
Plant Description
Medium sized shrub, narrow dark green shiny oblong leaves. Dark blue, almost black colored berries. Small white flowers in spring, six petals each with yellow centers.
Height (ft)
5-8
Soil moisture
Low
Soil types
Sandy soils, coarse to fine
Wetland indicator
FACW-
Shade tolerance
Intolerant (full sun)
Bloom color
White
Fall conspicuous
No, Evergreen
Anaerobic tolerance
High
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Medium
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Eastern coast of the United States, from southern Maine/New Hampshire south to most of Florida, and along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico until Louisiana.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & the Biota of North America Program, this species can be used for erosion control, water filtration and protection and in phosphate mining reclamation. In Australia, this species is listed as a potential caffeine beverage source as most Ilex species contain caffeine and theobromine (caffeine like alkaloid) and glycosides. The popular Mate is used from Ilex vomitoria.