Quick answer: Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is native to 14 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canad, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist-Wet, flood tolerant |
| Soil | Sandy to peaty, acid soil |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun-Sep |
| Height | 6-12 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | High wildlife value, attracts birds, special value to honey bees, persistent berries feed birds |
All Ilex species may be somewhat toxic if ingested; sensitivity varies with age/weight/condition; children most vulnerable
Considered weedy in some areas (not classified invasive/regulated)
Lookalike alert
Cultivar ('Compacta') in both.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Inkberry
Where is Inkberry native?
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is native to 14 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Inkberry bloom?
Inkberry blooms Jun-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Inkberry need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist-Wet, flood tolerant. Soil: Sandy to peaty, acid soil. Mature height: 6-12 ft tall.
Is Inkberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: High wildlife value, attracts birds, special value to honey bees, persistent berries feed birds.
Is Inkberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Inkberry is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Inkberry toxic?
All Ilex species may be somewhat toxic if ingested; sensitivity varies with age/weight/condition; children most vulnerable.
Where can I buy real Inkberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Inkberry.
- American cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Swamp rose Rosa palustris
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Swamp azalea Rhododendron viscosum
- Blue vervain Verbena hastata
Also listed under
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