Ilex vomitoria, commonly known as Yaupon, is a native shrub/small tree found in various areas such as sandy woods, dunes, open fields, forest edges, and wet swamps. It is commonly seen along the coastal plain and maritime forests and can be found from Virginia to Florida, Arkansas, and Texas. This evergreen plant typically grows upright in an irregularly branched form, reaching a height of 10-20' and a width of 10', but can grow taller under optimal conditions. The glossy, evergreen, dark green leaves are leathery, elliptic to ovate-oblong, and have toothed margins. Small greenish-white flowers bloom in the spring on both male and female plants. The flowers are fragrant but are usually inconspicuous. After pollination, female plants bear berry-like red fruits that ripen in the fall and last throughout the winter. The fruit attracts birds.
Native American Indians used the leaves to make a ceremonial emetic drink. Consuming in large quantities caused a cleansing of the digestive system. This is how the plant got its specific epithet.
Yaupon can grow in various soils, in dry to wet conditions, and in full sun to part shade. It generally tolerates drought better than most other hollies. Prune in winter if necessary. Yaupon is a dioecious plant with separate male and female plants. Female plants need a male pollinator in the area to bear fruit. Unless naturalization is desired, promptly remove root suckers.
