Ilex vomitoria aka Yaupon Holly
Taxonomy
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.
Common names
Yaupon Holly, Winterberry, YauponHow to care for Yaupon Holly
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Yaupon Holly, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Yaupon Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Yaupon Holly is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Winterberry is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Yaupon with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Yaupon Holly with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Yaupon Holly prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Yaupon Holly is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Yaupon Holly grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Yaupon Holly’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas and Arkansas.
More info:
Wikipedia
