Virginia Tech Dendrology

large gallberry Aquifoliaceae Ilex coriacea (Pursh) Chapm. symbol: ILCO
Leaf: Alternate, simple, irregularly serrated or spine-tipped, 1 1/2 to 3 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, less persistent than other hollies.
Twig: Slender, finely hairy, may be sticky, small light brown buds.
Bark: Smooth, grayish brown and mottled.
Form: An evergreen shrub or small tree that reaches heights to 20 feet, very open crown.
Looks like: inkberry - American holly - dahoon

Additional Range Information: Ilex coriacea 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 - USDAFS Forest Products Lab
All material 2025 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