Our tree of the week isn't a tree. It's a shrub. We need to appreciate this evergreen individual before the deciduous trees start putting out there leaves, obstructing the view. Our new inkberry (
Ilex glabra) was planted this season, back in December. It was purchased from Centenary College alumnus Dr. Gladden Willis, who owns and operates a
tree farm in Webster Parish.
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| According to the online literature, inkberry (Ilex glabra) grows in a wide range of wild conditions. Generally speaking, it prefers wet, even soggy, soil and full sun, but will tolerate some shade and drier conditions, too. One known associate is serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), so for the new inkberry shrub we found a fairly sunny spot near a healthy patch of serviceberry in the western floodplain. During periods of prolonged rainy weather, this area has standing water for several days, as water slowly drains down the slopes of the campus. |
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| Evergreen, thick, leathery leaves alternate along the twig. |
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| Leaves are more than an inch in length, but less than two. |
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| Underneath, leaves are pale green. Note the elliptic shape, acute base,and subtle serration around the apex. |
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| Inkberry fruits are small, black, persistent drupes. When we purchased this individual back in December, the shrub was covered in these little drupes. Now in mid-February, we found more than a few for a photo shoot. Since inkberry shrubs are dioecious, we will need to acquire a male plant if we want to see more of these fruits. |
For more information about the inkberry please consult the following online sources:
United States Department of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
University of Florida IFAS Extension
