Weeping Yaupon Holly Ilex vomitoria f. pendula

Weeping yaupon holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family native to eastern North America.  The genus name Ilex is in reference to the similarity of the evergreen leaves to Quercus ilex or holm oak.  The leaves of the parent plant were used for ceremonial tea, which, when consumed in large quantities, caused a cleansing now memorialized by the specific epithet vomitoria. Pendula is Latin for pendulous and refers to the weeping habit of this variety.

It is easy to grow with a tolerance for either dry and wet sites, drought and salt and urban conditions. It can reach 15 to 20 feet tall, sometimes as tall as 30 feet, and 6 to 12 feet wide. The weeping form makes it great as a specimen or accent plant. Red berries are attractive to birds and small mammals. Flowers appear in spring on separate male and female plants. Female shrubs produce red drupes in fall if fertilized. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants) and female plants need a male pollinator in the area in order to bear fruit. The plant will form thickets unless suckers are removed.

Plant Weeping Yaupon Holly in average well-drained soils in sun to shade, though female plants will produce more fruit and both male and female will have a thicker canopy with more sun.  It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand both drought and occasional flooding. It makes a good screen, windbreak, or security plant, grows rapidly, and transplants easily. This plant can take heavy pruning and is good for topiary. 

Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

Resistant to Phytophthora root rot. No insect or disease problems when planted in their native habitat.  Holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale are occasional problems. Leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew are potential disease problems.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO: Part of a series of Native Plant Picks from the North Carolina Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes Initiative.

More information on Ilex vomitoria.