Dwarf Yaupon Holly Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'

'Nana' is a dwarf cultivar of I. vomitoria in the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family.   I. vomitoria  is a species of evergreen shrubs or small trees native to the eastern United States and often found native in North Carolina.  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.  The 'Nana' cultivar, or dwarf yaupon, is a dense, compact, rounded shrub that grows up to 5' tall, unlike its parent which can reach 20 feet in height.

Dwarf yaupon has brittle, close-knit branches and dark green leaves (1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long) that are yellow-green when new. If pollinated, the small greenish white flowers on female shrubs will mature into persistent red drupes, although they are not as common or as striking as those of the parent species. 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.

Plant in average well-drained soils in sun to shade, though it will produce more fruit with more sun.  This shrub grows rapidly,  is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, can withstand heavy pruning, and resistant to phytophthora root rot. Drought and salt spray tolerant, this plant tolerates wet soil, is easily transplanted, and has no known pest problems.

Dwarf yaupon blooms in early to mid-spring and the fruits are usually hidden by the close-knit branches. The dwarf yaupon holly spreads wider than it is tall and can be used for topiary and in formal plantings. Leaves are not concolorous and tend to be much darker on top than beneath. 

The dense evergreen leaves make it a good choice for a screen, windbreak, or security plant.

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

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

More information on Ilex vomitoria.