Inkberry

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Ilex glabra
INKBERRY
Aquifoliaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates S-9 (west of Ag Annex Building; west side of rain garden), N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'46'''

Planting history: planted with Ag Annex, Human Ecology building, ca 2009.

Description:
  • evergreen shrub
  • etymology: Ilex (holly) from the Latin name for holm oak/holly oak (Quercus ilex); glabra = without hairs
  • leaves relatively small (3/4”-2”), with 1-3 small teeth on each side near the tip
  • polygamo-dioecious (separate male and female trees, with some perfect flowers); flowers small, whitish
  • fruit drupe (stone fruit); black, hence the common name “inkberry”; eaten by birds
  • native habitat moist sandy soils
  • now a popular ornamental because it adapts well to varied environments; grows in moderate shade to full sun, and in different soil types; easily propagated

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)

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