One of the very few broadleaf evergreen shrubs genuinely native to eastern wetlands, inkberry combines confirmed flood tolerance with special value to honey bees and larval host status for the Henry's Elfin butterfly - a reliable, deer-tolerant evergreen for consistently moist, acidic sites.
Species Overview
Ilex glabra, commonly known as inkberry or gallberry, is a slow-growing, upright-rounded, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the holly family. It typically matures to 5 to 8 feet tall and can spread by root suckers to form colonies. Native to the coastal plain from Nova Scotia to Florida and Louisiana, it is most commonly found in sandy woods and around the peripheries of swamps and bogs. Its spineless, glossy, dark green leaves remain attractive through winter, and black berries persist on female plants well into the season.
Application
Wetland-margin and bog restoration - confirmed flood tolerant
Evergreen screening and hedging in moist, acidic soils
Pollinator habitat - special value to honey bees
Larval host habitat for the Henry's Elfin butterfly
Growing Conditions / Specification Data
Light: Part Shade - tolerates more sun with adequate moisture
Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to wet, sandy to peaty, acidic soils; flood tolerant
