gallberry

Gallberry, or Ilex glabra, is a species of evergreen holly native to eastern North America. It is also known as inkberry. The plant grows as a shrub or small tree with a flexible form, typically reaching several meters in height. Leaves are simple, 2–5 cm long, oval to oblong, with margins that are usually entire or only lightly serrate; the upper surface is glossy dark green and the undersides are paler. In spring, small white flowers appear, followed by berries that mature in fall. The fruits are spherical black drupes about 4–6 mm in diameter and often persist through winter.

Gallberry's native range spans southern Canada to the eastern and southeastern United States, including parts of the Midwest. It favors acidic soils and can grow in wetlands, bogs, pine barrens, and along streams, often forming dense thickets that provide cover for wildlife.

Uses: The berries have a traditional culinary use in some Southern communities for making gallberry jelly or jam. The plant's nectar is a valuable resource for honeybees, producing a dark, robust gallberry honey especially in Georgia and Florida.

Ecology and cultivation: Gallberry is valued horticulturally as an evergreen shrub for hedges, screens, and habitat restoration. It tolerates a range of site conditions, from wet to dry, and is relatively resilient, making it suitable for native plant landscaping and conservation plantings.