Large gallberry (Ilex coriacea, Fl. South. U.S.: 270 (1860))

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Author: (Pursh) Chapm.

Bibliography: Fl. South. U.S.: 270 (1860)

Year: 1860

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ilex

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Texas

Description

The Large Gallberry, scientifically known as Ilex coriacea, is a remarkable shrub belonging to the family Aquifoliaceae. This resilient plant is native to the southeastern United States, extending its range all the way to Texas. It was first described in seminal botanical literature, “Flora of the Southern United States,” published in 1860 by Chapman, following its discovery by the renowned botanist Frederick Traugott Pursh.

Large Gallberry is distinguished by its robust and leathery leaves, a characteristic that is encapsulated in its Latin name, coriacea, meaning “leathery.” This attribute aids the plant in withstanding the diverse and often harsh climatic conditions within its native range. The shrub typically thrives in wetland habitats, including pine flatwoods, bogs, and swamp margins, which provide the moist, acidic soils it favors.

Blooming in spring, Ilex coriacea produces inconspicuous white flowers, which, though small, play a critical role in the plant’s reproductive cycle. These flowers give way to glossy black drupes in the fall, which serve as a vital food source for various species of birds and other wildlife during the colder months. The berries also contribute to the plant’s value in native landscaping, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.

Resilient and adaptable, the Large Gallberry is not only an essential component of its natural ecosystem but also a valuable addition to conservation and restoration projects in its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: bay gallbush, large gallberry, sweet gallberry
En: Large gallberry, Sweet gallberry, Bay gallbush, Highbush Gallberry, Swamp Galberry

Synonyms

• Prinos coriaceus (Pursh)
• Ilex lucida (Torr. & A.Gray ex S.Watson)
• Prinos atomarius (Nutt.)
• Ennepta coriacea (Raf.)
• Prinos coriaceus var. latifolius (Pursh)
• Ennepta atomaria (Raf.)
• Prinos lucidus (Aiton)
• Prinos coriaceus var. angustifolius (Pursh)
• Prinos glaber (P.Watson)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Jessyka Bedia (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Doug Todd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Paris B (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 11, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414223)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:83180-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ilex coriacea (Pursh) Chapm.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Thicket Forming

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.7

Ph minimum: 5.5