Ilex glabra 'Nigra' (Appalachian tea tree 'Nigra')

Botanical name

Ilex glabra 'Nigra'

Other names

Appalachian tea tree 'Nigra', Inkberry 'Nigra', Gallberry 'Nigra', Ink berry 'Nigra', Winterberry 'Nigra'

Genus

Ilex Ilex

Variety or Cultivar

'Nigra' _ 'Nigra' is a compact, rounded, evergreen shrub with upright stems bearing ovate or lance-shaped, spineless, glossy, dark green leaves and insignificant white flowers in late spring and early summer followed by spherical, black fruit.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Compact, Rounded

Toxicity

Berries may cause discomfort if ingested.

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Colour

Flower

White, Insignificant or absent in Spring; White, Insignificant or absent in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Leaf-mining sawflies , Scale insects

Specific diseases

Holly leaf blight

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or trim informal hedges in early spring. Trim formal hedges in late summer. Tends to spread by suckers to form colonies. Remove root suckers to control spread.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Ilex glabra 'Nigra' (Appalachian tea tree 'Nigra') will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Resistant to pollution, Low Maintenance, Hedging/Screens, Ground Cover, Cottage/Informal, Architectural, Specimen tree

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade. Planting is best done in late winter or early spring. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, including wet soil. Requires both a male plant for fruit production.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ilex glabra 'Nigra' (Appalachian tea tree 'Nigra')

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Ilex glabra 'Nigra' (Appalachian tea tree 'Nigra')

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Ilex glabra 'Nigra' (Appalachian tea tree 'Nigra')

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/