inkberry

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

5-10 ft. tall
5-8 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds take a long time to germinate, but the process may benefit from a 30-60 day warm treatment followed by 60-90 day cold, moist stratification.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide 5-8 feet spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Occasionally, leaf is pot can be a problem. Spider mites may colonize plants, especially in dryer conditions. High pH (alkaline) soils can close chlorosis.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The simple, alternate leaves are elliptic to obovate, leathery with entire margins. Approximately 1.5 inches long.

Flowers

Cymes of small, fragrant flowers. Inkberries are dioecious, and need both male and female plants to produce fruit.

Fruit

Small, 3/8″ diameter black drupes.

Toxicity

Low toxicity. If ingested, may cause vomiting and diarrhea.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Savannas, pine flatwoods, pocosin margins, swamps, primarily in wetlands, but extending upslope even into sandhills, with a clay lens or spodic horizon below to maintain additional moisture.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Coastal Plain and absent from the Piedmont and Mountains