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Ilex glabra - (L.)A.Gray.

Common Name Inkberry
Family Aquifoliaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274].
Habitats Wet acid soils[184]. Low sandy or peaty soils[43].
Range Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Montana.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Ilex glabra Inkberry


USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 2: 487.
Ilex glabra Inkberry

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Ilex glabra is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Prinos glaber.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The dried roasted leaves are a good substitute for yaupon tea. They contain caffeine[161, 183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge

A good hedging plant, the var. 'Compacta' is used[200].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not water-logged[200]. Another report says that it needs an acid soil[182]. Hardy to about -20°c[184]. Plants are very slow growing[11] and seldom exceed 1metre in height in British gardens[184]. Plants have stoloniferous roots[182]. This species is closely related to I. coriacea[182]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[200]. Resents root disturbance, especially as the plant grows older[1, 11]. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[K]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if required[188]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. A report says that some plants are monoecious. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 9 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. An evergreen. A clumping plant, forming a colony from shoots away from the crown but with a limited spread [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[78, 80]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the following year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up. Layering in October. Takes 2 years.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)A.Gray.

Botanical References

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Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Roslyn Powell   Tue Feb 1 00:44:18 2005

Question- Are these better plants then boxwoods? I see you numbered them 1.

Steve K   Fri Feb 20 2009

Other resources on the internet indicate that Nordic is a male cultivar.

UCONN Plant Data Base

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Subject : Ilex glabra  
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