Description

Ilex glabra is a compact, broadleaf evergreen shrub, that typically grows no taller than 8'. The leaves are dark green, waxy, oblong to elliptic and finely toothed. Flowers are whitish or greenish, and rather inconspicuous and give way to showy dark purple fruit, on the female plants, that persist through winter.

Cultivation

Inkberry is easy to grow under typical garden conditions. It will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, ranging from heavy poorly drained soils to very well-drained ones, and can be grown in full sun to part-shade. It has a rhizomatous root system and, if desired, can be left to form colonies and thickets. Older plants can get leggy, but can easily be pruned to encourage a dense, full form. The species is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. Both are required to ensure fruit set. Foliage can show signs of stress if the temperature drops to around zero degrees for extended periods, but it is otherwise a care-free and trouble-free shrub. Zones 5-10

Propagation

Seeds are slow to germinate. Easy to propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings or by transplanting suckers.

Additional Notes

Still rather uncommon and underutilized. Inkberry is an excellent option for evergreen hedges, foundation plantings, and a great native alternative to boxwoods. Although a food resource of last resort, the fruit will be consumed by a wide variety of birds late in the season. Its native range includes coastal areas it is exposed to brackish waters an high levels of salt.