Ilex glabra aka Appalachian Tea

Taxonomy

Genus Ilex Family Aquifoliaceae Order Aquifoliales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ilex glabra, also known as Appalachian tea, dye-leaves, evergreen winterberry, gallberry, and inkberry, is a species of evergreen holly native to the coastal plain of eastern North America. It can be found from coastal Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Louisiana, primarily in sandy woods and on the outskirts of swamps and bogs. This versatile plant is commonly cultivated in landscapes along the middle and lower East Coast of the United States. With a mature height of 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m), Ilex glabra forms dense colonies through root suckers. In USDA zones 6 to 10, it is often grown as an evergreen shrub. The gallberry nectar produced by this plant is highly sought after, contributing to the popular honey found in the southern United States. This holly variety is characterized by its dwarf, rounded form and dense foliage. Standing at around 1.5m in height, it features small, glossy dark green leaves that are spineless and oval-shaped. In spring, clusters of white flowers emerge, followed by small black berries on female plants if pollinated by a nearby male plant. Inkberry, a rare houseplant belonging to the Ilex genus, is also known as Ilex glabra. It thrives with regular watering and prefers to be placed within 1 foot of a window, receiving long-lasting, direct light. This species hails from Alabama and favors soil that retains moisture well. When repotting, it is unnecessary to add fertilizers if the plant is doubled in size. Overall, Ilex glabra, whether as a native evergreen shrub in North America or a desirable houseplant, exhibits its resilience and beauty in various environments.

Common names

Appalachian Tea, Bitter Gallberry, Inkberry, Gallberry, Winter Berry

How to care for Appalachian Tea

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Appalachian Tea is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Appalachian Tea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Appalachian Tea, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Appalachian Tea is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Appalachian Tea will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Appalachian Tea prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Appalachian Tea is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Appalachian Tea is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Appalachian Tea’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Montana.

More info:
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More Species in Ilex Genus

Ilex crenata Japanese Holly

Ilex paraguariensis Brazilian Tea

Ilex chapaensis

Ilex cornuta Chinese Holly

Ilex coriacea Large Gallberry

Ilex ambigua Carolina Holly

Ilex myrtifolia Myrtle Dahoon

Ilex altaclerensis Highclere Holly

Ilex rotunda Kurogane Holly

Ilex Holly