Virginia Tech Dendrology

inkberry Aquifoliaceae Ilex glabra (L.) A. Gray symbol: ILGL
Leaf: Alternate, simple, entire or serrated on upper half, 1 to 2 1/2 inches long, oblong to obovate, evergreen, leathery, shiny and dark green above, lighter and dull beneath.
Flower: Species is dioecious; small, greenish white and inconspicuous, appearing in late spring.
Fruit: Small, nearly black, shiny, berry-like drupes, 1/3 inch in diameter; ripening in fall and persisting into the following spring.
Twig: Slender, ridged or lined, green the first year turning gray later, small green buds.
Bark: Smooth, dark greenish brown.
Form: An open evergreen shrub forming clusters due to numerous sprouts. Reaches up to 10 feet tall.
Looks like: large gallberry - myrtle holly - yaupon

Additional Range Information: Ilex glabra is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database - Horticulture Information
All material 2021 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information