gallberry
Ilex glabra
  • FAMILY: AQUAFOLIACEAE
  • ALTERNATE COMMON NAME: common, littleleaf inkberry
  • LEAVES: alternate, simple, persistent; 1-2” obovate; appressed-crenate teeth near apex; not spinulose; glabrous; punctate glands below; petioles 3-8 mm
  • FLOWER: dioecious, small, white; 4 petals and sepals; early spring
  • FRUIT: black drupe, 1/4 inch; pedicels 1-5mm
  • TWIGS: pubescent
  • BARK:
  • FORM: low growing shrub; stoloniferous
  • HABITAT: flatwoods, savannas and pine barrens; dry sites; benefits from fire
  • WETLAND DESIGNATION: Facultative Wetland (FACW): Usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Plain Region
  • RANGE: southeastern US coastal plain
  • USES: browse is largely unpalatable; honey
  • Best Recognition Features:
    1. small glabrous leaves, sparringly serrate near apex
    2. black fruit
    3. low shrub, pale green, evergreen