Ilex vomitoria aka Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria, or yaupon holly, belongs to the holly family. It grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree. Its native range covers the southeastern United States and Mexico. It grows in coastal woods, clearings, and damp ground. Many stems and root shoots can form thick stands. Garden plants reach about 10–25 feet [3–7.6 metres] tall. The RHS gives an upper height of 26 feet [8 metres]. Reported garden widths range from 8–20 feet [2.4–6.1 metres].

The crown can spread outward or take a vase shape. Thin bark starts smooth and pale gray, then may scale. Young stems have purple tones and turn gray with age. The small, oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They feel leathery and have a dark, glossy upper face. Their rounded teeth lack the sharp points of many hollies. The leaves stay green through winter without a fall color change.

Small, pale flowers open from March to May, often in April. They have a scent but draw little visual attention. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Females need a male flowering nearby to set fruit. The round red drupes ripen in fall and last into winter. Birds and small mammals eat them. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar. The plant also hosts Henry's elfin and holly azure caterpillars.

Grow yaupon in sun or part shade for a fuller crown. It tolerates deep shade, though the crown becomes more open. Moist soil with good drainage suits it well. It also withstands drought, salt spray, and brief floods. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and varied soil pH. Most cited guidance places it in USDA zones 7–9. The RHS rates its UK hardiness H6. It suits hedges, screens, windbreaks, topiary, and small tree forms. It takes hard pruning, but root shoots need control. Its high fire risk makes it unsuitable near homes.

Pests and diseases seldom cause major harm, but problems can occur. Scale, leaf miners, mites, whitefly, and aphids may attack it. Leaf spots, leaf rot, tar spot, and mildew are possible. The RHS also lists root rot, leaf blight, and honey fungus. Roasted, dried leaves make a tea that contains caffeine. Indigenous peoples used leaf drinks in ceremonies involving purging. The fruit is unsafe for people and pets to eat. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.