Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria

[Dwarf variety on the right]
(Photos by Jessica Gomez)

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Taxonomy ₍₃₎

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Common name: Yaupon Holly
Varieties: Dwarf Yaupon Holly 

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General Information _(1,5)

Region of Origin: Long Island, New York to central Florida and west to Texas
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Growth Habit: Shrub or small tree

• Size: 15-20 feet tall; 2 feet tall (Dwarf)
• Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
• Flowering: Spring
• Fruiting: Fall and Winter

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Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves ₍₁₎

• Arrangement: Alternate
• Simple/Compound: Simple
• Shape: Ovate
• Other: 0.5-1.5 inches long, 3/4 inch wide

[Dwarf variety on the right]
(Photos by Jessica Gomez)

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Stem/Bark ₍₁₎

• Color: Purplish to whitish-gray
• Texture: Glabrous

[Dwarf variety on the right]
(Photos by Jessica Gomez)

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Flower ₍₁₎

• Perfect/Imperfect: Imperfect (Dioecious)
• Color: Greenish-white

[Dwarf variety on the right]
(Photos by Jessica Gomez)

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Fruit ₍₁₎

• Fruit type: Drupe
• Size: 1/4 inch
• Color: Scarlet

[Picture of Yaupon Holly fruit]
(Photo by Jessica Gomez)

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Horticultural Information _(1,2,4,6)

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• pH: Slightly alkaline (to acidic for Dwarf) 
• Maintenance: Easy to care for
• Landscape Uses: informal screens, barriers, topiary plant, hedges, and foundation plant
• Other: Salt tolerant; Fertilize in spring, summer, and fall (Dwarf)

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Interesting Facts _(1,2)

• Indians made infusion of the leaves and drank until vomiting occurred to cleanse them of impurities of body and soul.

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References

1)Dirr, M. A. (1990. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes publishing company
2)Scheper, J (2004)Floridata Ilex vomitorium http://www.floridata.com/ref/I/ilx_vom.cfm
3) http://www.floridanature.org/species.asp?species=Ilex_vomitoria
4) http://www.treesusa.com/Plantinfo/Shade/Templates/Holly,%20Yaupon.pdf
5) U of A division of Agriculture http://www.aragriculture.org/horticulture/ornamentals/plant_database/shrubs/dwarf_yaupon_holly.htm
6) http://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/dwarf-yaupon-holly.html

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