Ilex coriacea aka Large Gallberry

Ilex coriacea, or big gallberry, belongs to the holly family. It grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree. Its native range follows the coastal plain of southeastern North America. It extends from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. Wild plants grow in swamps, floodplains, and damp sandy woods. They also grow beside streams and ponds. The species name refers to its leathery leaves.

The plant can reach 20 feet [6.1 metres] in height. Its crown has an open form, and growth is moderate. Smooth, gray-brown bark has mottled patches and scattered lenticels. These are small pores in the bark. Thin twigs bear fine hairs and may feel sticky. Their buds are small and light brown. The simple leaves grow alternately along the stems. They measure 1½–3 inches long and have a leathery feel. Their dark green upper sides shine above paler, dull undersides. Leaf edges may be smooth or have a few spines. The tips may be rounded or pointed.

Small, greenish-white flowers bloom from April to May on new growth. They grow in clusters where leaves meet the stems. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Female plants need pollen from a suitable male to bear fruit. Bees visit the flowers for nectar, which supports honey production. The shiny, nearly black fruits are drupes, about one-third inch across. They are often wider than they are long. Fruit appears in September and October, then falls soon after ripening. Birds and small mammals eat it.

Grow big gallberry in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist to wet soil, with sandy ground a good fit. It also accepts loam and clay, and acid to neutral soil. NC State lists it for USDA zones 6–9. Use it beside water, in damp woods, or in natural plantings. Groups can form thickets and provide food for wildlife. Its evergreen leaves suit winter gardens, while flowers support pollinator gardens. It needs little upkeep and tolerates hard pruning into old wood. Older plants dislike root disturbance, so choose a lasting planting site.

NC State reports no known disease or insect issues. It also rates the plant as having low flammability. The fruit can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans. PFAF lists fruit as edible but questions its safety. This is not a sound basis for treating it as food. PFAF records no known medicinal or other practical uses.