How to identify Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
Inkberry, also known as Appalachian tea, Evergreen winterberry
Inkberry is characterized by its dense, bushy growth and evergreen foliage. This shrub typically reaches heights of 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters) with a similar spread. The leaves are notably sleek, with a glossy, deep green hue, measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. Its year-round leaves are elliptical in shape and devoid of serration, setting it apart from other members of the same family. Tiny, inconspicuous white flowers may appear, later giving way to dark, berry-like drupes.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Dense, bushy growth reaching 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters) in height and spread.
Glossy, dark green elliptical leaves (1-2 inches/2.5-5 cm) without serration.
Small, white-petaled inconspicuous flowers (0.2 inches/5 mm) in cymes.
Jet black, pea-sized drupes with glossy, firm texture (3/8 inch/1 cm).
Slender, smooth stems (0.2-0.4 inches/0.5-1 cm) with dense branching pattern.
Inkberry has alternate, simple leaves that are spineless, flat, and ovate to elliptic in shape, measuring up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. The glossy, dark green leaves have smooth margins with a few teeth near the apex. These leaves usually maintain their attractive appearance even in winter, barring extremely low temperatures.
The flowers of inkberry are fairly inconspicuous and bloom from May to June. Male flowers are arranged in small cymes, while female flowers can be found either singly or in cymes. Both types feature small, white-petaled flowers that are about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. The petals are typically rounded and arranged symmetrically. These flowers do not possess a strong scent and play a crucial role in the dioecious reproductive system of the plant.
The multiple stems of inkberry are slender and erect, with a smooth texture and a dark green coloration, often maturing to shades of grayish-brown. The stems typically range from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) in diameter, and they showcase a somewhat flexible yet sturdy nature. They exhibit a branching pattern with a moderate density, creating a dense, bushy appearance. The stems are woody and can withstand various environmental conditions, making them a distinguishing feature of this plant.
The fruit of inkberry consists of pea-sized, jet black drupes, which are berry-like and have a diameter of approximately 3/8 inch (nearly 1 cm). These glossy fruits mature in early fall, typically by September, and persist on the plant until late November. Their dark, ink-like appearance combined with the smooth, spherical shape makes them easily recognizable. The texture is firm when fresh, providing a distinct characteristic that can assist in their identification among other small, black fruits in their native habitats.
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Scientific Classification of Inkberry
