Inkberry Shrub

Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. Its glossy green leaves and dense, upright to rounded habit provide year-round structure in hedges, screens, windbreaks, and rain gardens. Inkberry is dioecious: female plants can produce black berries when pollinated by a nearby male plant. ## Plant Characteristics Small greenish-white flowers appear in spring. NC State Extension gives a typical species range of 5–10 feet tall and 5–8 feet wide; plants grow slowly and can spread by suckers into colonies. These are species-level ranges, not a guaranteed size for an individual shrub. ## Growing Conditions Grow inkberry in full sun to partial shade, in acidic to neutral clay or sandy soil with good drainage. The species also tolerates moist and occasionally wet soils. Its evergreen foliage holds through winter, and berries on pollinated female plants provide food for birds. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-glabra/) summarizes the plant’s native range, flowering, size, soil, and light needs. ## Landscape Uses Use this holly for an evergreen hedge, privacy screen, windbreak, or rain garden. Spring flowers support pollinators, while dense foliage adds structure through the colder months. ## Maintenance Prune in early spring when shaping is needed; routine pruning is generally minimal outside hedge maintenance. Watch for suckers where a compact, single-stem outline is desired.