Ilex vomitoria aka Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria, also known as yaupon or yaupon holly, is a native shrub or small tree to southeastern North America. The name "yaupon" comes from the Catawban language, meaning "tree with leaves." The plant produces little greenish-white flowers in the spring, and only the female plants will bear fruit. The berries are small and usually red, but can also be yellow, providing food for birds and other wildlife and adding winter interest to gardens. Yaupon holly is also commonly used for landscaping due to its minimal shaping requirements and availability in several slow-growing cultivars. Native Americans traditionally used yaupon to make a caffeine-containing infusion, and it is one of only two known plants in North America that produce caffeine. The other plant, Ilex cassine, commonly known as dahoon holly, contains less caffeine. The Latin name for yaupon holly comes from the observation that ingestion of the plant in certain ceremonies led to vomiting. Weeping Yaupon Holly is a related evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with red berries that are attractive to birds and small mammals. However, due to its high flammability rating, it should not be planted too close to homes.