ExplorePlants

Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria

Yaupon Holly is a cheerful little shrub that has shiny green leaves and bright red berries. It can grow in many places and is loved by birds who eat its berries!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Yaupon Holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree with small, glossy dark green oval leaves. Female plants bear abundant clusters of vibrant red, pearl-like berries that persist through winter, making it visually striking compared to deciduous plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAquifolialesFamilyAquifoliaceaeGenusIlex
Yaupon Holly
shrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgemedicinal trait badge
Yaupon Holly

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Wow! Ancient people brewed its leaves into a special caffeinated tea for ceremonies!

Wow! Despite its scientific name 'vomitoria,' the leaves for tea are perfectly safe and healthy!

Wow! It's the only plant native to North America that naturally contains caffeine!

Wow! Its berries are super shiny, making them easily visible to birds and people!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Food Cache

Yaupon Holly has bright red berries that hang on all winter, providing crucial food for birds when other sources are scarce.

Ability

Saltwater Survivor

Yaupon Holly can tolerate salty air and soil, helping it thrive near coasts where many plants struggle to grow.

Ability

Drought Warrior

Yaupon Holly has deep roots that help it find water in dry soil, letting it survive tough droughts.

Measurements & details

Height
150-760 cm
Spread
300-450 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

IlexYaupon

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

While the berries are pretty, they are not safe to eat. Always look but don't touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Yaupon Holly?

150-760 cm

How wide does Yaupon Holly spread?

300-450 cm

How big are the flowers on Yaupon Holly?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does Yaupon Holly bloom?

Spring

Is Yaupon Holly edible?

Yes

Is Yaupon Holly toxic?

Mild

What is Yaupon Holly's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Yaupon Holly pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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