About

The Nigra Inkberry (Ilex glabra 'Nigra') is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. Known for its dark green foliage and black berries, it is a popular choice for hedges, foundation plantings, and naturalized areas.

The Overall Plant

Nigra Inkberry is a cultivar of the native Inkberry species, which is part of the holly family. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9 and can reach a height of 4 to 6 feet with a 3 to 4 feet spread. This evergreen shrub is adaptable to various soil conditions, including wet or boggy soils, making it an excellent choice for areas where other plants may struggle. Nigra Inkberry is also salt-tolerant, making it a suitable option for coastal landscapes.

The Foliage

The Nigra Inkberry boasts glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round interest in the garden. The leaves are simple, with a smooth edge, and have an elongated, oval shape. The dense, compact growth habit of Nigra Inkberry makes it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, or foundation plantings, as it can be easily pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. The evergreen foliage also serves as a valuable shelter for birds and other wildlife.

The Fruit

The Nigra Inkberry produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in late spring, which give way to attractive black berries, or drupes, in the fall. These fruits persist through the winter months, providing visual interest and an essential food source for various bird species. It should be noted that the berries can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so caution is advised when planting Nigra Inkberry in areas where children or pets may be present.

Care & Guarantee

Every plant comes with our expert planting guide that will cover the specifics to ensure your plant grows absolutely nuts. It also comes with our free 30 day guarantee so if you aren't happy we got you covered.

Why Flora's Market?

We're not some middleman or corporate farm, when you buy from Flora's Market you are buying directly from a family of growers that's been doing it for generations. We pride ourselves on quality, that's why we back our plants 100% with our grower guarantee. If you're not happy don't sweat it, we got you covered.