Yaupon Holly Ilex vomitoria

Yaupon holly is a woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae), native to the eastern United States and Mexico. 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.

Plant yaupon holly in full sun to deep shade, though it will produce more fruit and have a thicker canopy with more sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand drought, salt spray, and occasional flooding. This plant can take heavy pruning, transplants easily, and is resistant to Phytophthora root rot. Propagate by seed or stem cutting. It is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. So, to achieve the attractive bright red signature fruits both male and female shrubs that bloom in the same time period must be planted. 

The leaves are small, leathery and bright green and are not prickly like other hollies. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. This holly can rapidly reach 10 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, so allow proper spacing when planting multiples. It will form thickets unless the suckers are removed. 

Yaupon holly has many cultivars including dwarf and weeping forms. It also has many uses in the landscape: Consider it for drought tolerant, native, pollinator, rain, water, or winter gardens. Take advantage of the showy red fruits, which are enjoyed by songbirds and small mammals, and use this shrub as a specimen in the ground or in a large container. Mass planted, it is ideal for shearing into a screen, hedge, or topiary, and it makes a great foundation planting. The tightly packed leaves also work well as a windbreak or barrier planting. It is at home in coastal, woodland, or naturalized areas. 

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. 

 Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are alternate, one inch long, and half an inch wide with rounded apex and base.

• Very young stems are purplish in color and turn silvery-gray as they age.

• Petioles are purplish.

• Produces translucent red berries.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 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.

Additional Video: Yaupon holly part of a series of Native Plant Picks from the North Carolina Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes Initiative.