Ilex coriacea

Ilex coriacea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Aquifoliales
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex
Species: I. coriacea
Binomial name
Ilex coriacea
(L.) Gray

Ilex coriacea, sometimes known as Gallberry, is a shrub in the Holly family native to coastal areas in the United States from Virginia to Texas. It exists primarily as an understory plant in pine forests, and is sometimes stimulated by regular controlled burnings.

It has been widely planted north of its native range and to some extent in Europe, preferring moist, but not waterlogged acidic soil.

The plant is an important nectar source for beekeepers, making a mild flavored, light colored honey, especially in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Natural range

References