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PLANT PROFILE LIST
,_Torrey's_Flora_of_NY_2-01.png/505px-Ilex_glabra_(Prinos_glaber),_Torrey's_Flora_of_NY_2-01.png)
NAME: Inkberry
SPECIES / FAMILY: Ilex Glabra, Aquifoliaceae
OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Gallberry, Appalachian Tea
CONDITIONS: partial shade
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PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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Leaves |
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black tea | DRY/ROAST |
all |
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Stalk/Stem |
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Buds |
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Flowers |
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Fruits |
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Pods |
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Seeds |
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Nuts |
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Roots |
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Bark |
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PORTION: small, tea
COMMENT: The dried roasted leaves are a good substitute for yaupon tea (that does not survive this far north), as it contains some caffeine.(1) Dried and roasted inkberry leaves were first used by Native Americans to brew a black tea-like drink, hence the sometimes used common name of "Appalachian tea" for this shrub.(3)
CAUTION: Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity.(1)
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL:
LOOK-A-LIKES:
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES: Gallberry honey is a highly rated honey that results from bees feeding on inkberry flowers. This honey is locally produced in certain parts of the Southeastern U. S. in areas where beekeepers release bees from late April to early June to coincide with inkberry flowering time. (3)
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):