Description
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree known for its dense foliage, adaptability, and attractive red berries. Native to the southeastern United States, Yaupon Holly features small, oval, glossy green leaves that remain vibrant year-round. In the spring, it produces small white flowers, and in the fall, female plants develop bright red berries that persist into winter, adding seasonal interest and providing food for birds and wildlife. Yaupon Holly is dioecious, meaning separate male and female plants are needed for berry production.
Yaupon Holly typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller, shrub-like form or even shaped as a small tree. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. Highly adaptable, Yaupon Holly tolerates various soil types—including clay, sand, and slightly acidic to alkaline soils—and is both drought- and salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal or arid landscapes.
Low-maintenance and resilient, Yaupon Holly requires only occasional pruning to maintain shape, especially when grown as a hedge or topiary. Its dense foliage and hardiness against pests and diseases make it popular for privacy screens, natural hedges, or foundation plantings. Whether used as a specimen plant, hedge, or tree form, Yaupon Holly adds year-round greenery, structure, and seasonal color to landscapes with minimal effort.
