Ilex vomitoria

Common Names

Yaupon, Yaupon Holly, Cassina

Summary

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It typically grows 10–25 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide, with small glossy leaves. It is dioecious, with male and female plants; white flowers appear in spring, and female plants bear bright red berries in fall and winter (yellow berries occur on some cultivars). It is widely used in landscapes as hedges, screens, walls, or topiary, with cultivars such as Jewel, Nana, Pendula, and Will Fleming.

It tolerates full sun to partial shade and a wide range of soils, including drought and salt exposure. It can sprout from roots, forming dense thickets if root suckers are not removed. It provides wildlife value by offering berries for birds, nectar for pollinators, and serves as a larval host for Henry’s Elfin butterflies in some ranges. Leaves contain caffeine and historically brewed into a caffeinated ceremonial tea; propagation is by seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings; pruning helps maintain shape, especially in hedges and screens; many cultivars vary in size and berry production.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-20 feet

Spread

15-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

No single ideal; tolerates soil pH from below 6.0 to above 8.0 (neutral 6.0–8.0 included).

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring (March–May)

Foliage Color

Dark green evergreen foliage, often glossy.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Root Sprouts

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds