Species yaupon
red berries along gray stems, and small, smooth, green leaves

yaupon

Ilex vomitoria

Yaupon is a hardy shrub or small tree native to North America. The evergreen has glossy, bright-green leaves, and produces beautiful white flowers in springtime. It also produces inedible red berries that often persist through winter. Yaupon has salt-tolerance and can adapt to a variety of habitats. It is an attractive landscaping choice, often used as foundation plantings or in privacy hedges. The Yaupon's traditional use as a ceremonial tea makes it an interesting addition to a garden, as it is a flavorful source of caffeine. As a hardy and resilient plant, yaupon is a great choice for landscapes across the nation.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) should be watered deeply and regularly to maintain a moist soil environment. Water as needed, aiming for about a 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. In areas with hot, dry summers, water more often. During the winter, plants should be allowed to dry out some. It is beneficial to periodically check soil moisture. Too much watering can cause root rot.

sunlight

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is native to the southeastern United States, and does best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. In full sun, yaupon should receive about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the spring and summer, yaupon should receive more sunlight, as long as it does not exceed 8 hours. During the fall and winter months, the amount of direct sunlight received by the yaupon should be reduced somewhat, but still provide at least 4 hours a day.

pruning

When it comes to the timing of pruning for yaupon, it is recommended to do so in late fall or winter. This allows the plant to fully heal from any pruning cuts made before the growing season starts. Some basic shaping can be done during the spring season if needed. When it comes to the amount of pruning for yaupon, it is best to practice selective pruning. This involves removing only the weak or dead stems, or any that are crossing over each other. It is not beneficial to do heavy pruning of yaupon, as this can damage the branches and cause sparse regrowth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

holly The harvesting season for Ilex vomitoria typically begins in late October and continues through December.

Starts Flowering

Ilex vomitoria typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map