Inkberry Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra (Aquifoliaceae) is an erect, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Missouri and Texas. It grows slowly to about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide, spreading by root suckers to form loose colonies. The spineless, glossy dark green leaves are thinner than those of Japanese holly (I. crenata). Small white flowers give way to purplish-black fruit on female plants.

Inkberry performs best in full sun on moist, acidic soils with good drainage, though it tolerates wet and even anaerobic conditions better than most hollies. It struggles on neutral to alkaline soils and in heavy shade. The cultivar 'Shamrock' (3 to 5 feet) offers compact form and bright glossy new growth. Dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed for fruit production. Birds readily consume the berries. Disease and pest profiles overlap with other hollies: scale, leafminer, bud moth, aphid, and root weevil are documented. Hardy in Zones 6a to 9b.