This medium-sized evergreen shrub is common in the Coastal Plain, rare in the Piedmont of North Carolina.

The thick, evergreen leaves are very smooth. Large Gallberry (I. coriacea) is similar, but has broader leaves and slightly broader and flatter fruits.

Scotland Co., NC 6/6/03.

A male shrub flowering.

Green Swamp, Brunswick Co., NC 5/15/04.

Flower detail of same plant. These flowers are 6-parted; Inkberry flowers range from 5-7 parts.

Green Swamp, Brunswick Co., NC 5/15/04.

Male flowers.

Dare Co., NC 6/1/07.

Male flowers.

Dare Co., NC 6/1/07.

The berries turn from pale green to black as ink as they ripen.

Carteret Co., NC 8/27/06.

The berries may persist through the winter into the next spring.

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.