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Ilex coriacea

Ilex coriacea, sometimes known as large gallberry[2] or sweet gallberry,[1] 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 managed by controlled burnings, resprouting from rhizomes.[3]

Ilex coriacea is a facultative wetland plant[2] and can be found in sandy, moist to wet soils[3] in bogs, at the edges of ponds[1] and in seepage swamps called baygalls.[4][5] It is planted as an ornamental[1] and prefers acidic soils.[3]

The plant is an important nectar source for beekeepers.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Stritch, L. (2018). "Ilex coriacea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T123600074A123600091. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T123600074A123600091.en. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b NRCS. "Ilex coriacea". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Coladonato, Milo (1991). "Ilex coriacea". Fire Effects Information System (FEIS). US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  4. ^ MacRoberts, Barbara R.; MacRoberts, Michael H. (February 2004). "Floristics of Baygalls in Central Louisiana". Phytologia. 86 (1). Retrieved 25 April 2025 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  5. ^ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1999). "The Ecological Communities" (PDF). South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (Report). Atlanta, Georgia. pp. 500–502. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Ilex coriacea". North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. N.C. Cooperative Extension. Retrieved 25 April 2025.