Appalachian tea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inkberry |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ilex
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| Species: |
glabra
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The Inkberry (scientific name: Ilex glabra) is a cool evergreen shrub. It's also known by other names like Appalachian tea or gallberry. You can find it growing naturally along the coast of eastern North America. This includes places from Nova Scotia in Canada all the way down to Florida and west to Louisiana. It loves sandy areas, swamps, and bogs. Many people also plant inkberry in their gardens, especially along the East Coast of the United States. It usually grows to be about 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) tall. It can spread out to form groups of plants.
Contents
What the Inkberry Plant Looks Like
The leaves of the inkberry plant are shiny and dark green. They are about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. They are smooth and oval-shaped. The edges of the leaves are mostly smooth, but they have a few small teeth near the tip. These leaves stay a nice bright green even in winter. But if it gets super cold (below -17°C or 0°F), they might change color.
In spring, small greenish-white flowers appear. They are not very noticeable. If these female flowers get pollinated, they grow into small, round, black berries. These berries are about 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide. They look like tiny peas. They ripen in early fall and stay on the plant all winter. Birds often eat them.
Some types of inkberry plants are grown specially. These are called 'cultivars'. They often have a neater shape. They are more compact and don't spread out as much as the wild plants.
How People Use Inkberry
Inkberry Honey
Inkberry flowers are a favorite food source for bees. Bees collect nectar from these flowers to make a special kind of honey. This honey is called gallberry honey. It is very popular in the southern United States. Beekeepers often bring their bees to areas with inkberry plants. This happens from late April to early June when the inkberry flowers bloom.
Inkberry Tea
Long ago, Native Americans used inkberry leaves. They would dry and roast the leaves. Then, they would brew them to make a dark, tea-like drink. This is why the inkberry plant is sometimes called "Appalachian tea."
See also
In Spanish: Ilex glabra para niños
