Habitat Gallberry grows in pine savannas, flatwoods, bogs, seepage areas, and on the lower slopes of wooded ravines. The branches are short, slender, and somewhat contorted, forming a pyramidal crown. Leaves Leaves are simple, alternate, and persistent. The leaf margins are wavy with numerous stout, stiff, sharp-pointed spines. However, leaves with entire margins occasionally may be found.
Leaves are dull yellowish-green above and paler and more yellowish below.
Leaf petioles are short, stout, and grooved with swollen bases. This plant is dioecious. Individual flowers are in clusters on short stalks. It contains several 1-seeded nutlets. The twigs are slender, light brown, and glabrous.