Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Celastrales>Aquifoliaceae>Ilex coriacea (Pursh) Chapman

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea)

Large Gallberry, sometimes called Sweet Gallberry, is an evergreen large shrub or small tree common in wet areas of the Coastal Plain in North Carolina.

Bladen Co., NC 8/12/07.

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea)

Similar to Inkberry (I. glabra), with smooth coriaceous (leathery), evergreen leaves and black berries. The fruits are a little larger than those of Inkberry and are normally squashed-looking -- broader than they are long -- instead of globose.

Bladen Co., NC 10/7/06.

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea) leaves

The leaves are larger and broader than those of Inkberry, with a few bristle-tipped teeth (not crenate like Inkberry or spiny like American Holly).

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea) leaf

Leaf detail.

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea) bark

The bark is smooth, with scattered lenticels (corky projections).

Bladen Co., NC 10/7/06.

Large Gallberry (Ilex coriacea) bark

Bark of a slightly larger tree.

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

More information:
Plant Information Center
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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