Plant Profile: Ilex coriacea

Tall Gallberry is an evergreen shrub belonging to the holly family, commonly found along the coastal plains stretching from Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas. This shrub can grow up to 20 feet tall and features a distinctly open crown. Being dioecious, it requires both male and female plants of the same species that bloom simultaneously to produce fruit.

This species thrives in moist to wet sandy soils and prefers partial sunlight. It is well-suited for planting near streams or ponds, in naturalized settings, and around bogs and damp woodlands.

The flowers of the Tall Gallberry serve as an excellent nectar source, making them valuable to beekeepers for honey production. Additionally, its berries are a food source for various birds and small mammals.