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
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
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)
Stem/Bark (1)
- Color: Purplish to whitish-gray
- Texture: Glabrous
[Dwarf variety on the right]
(Photos by Jessica Gomez)
Flower (1)
- Perfect/Imperfect: Imperfect (Dioecious)
- Color: Greenish-white
[Dwarf variety on the right]
(Photos by Jessica Gomez)
Fruit (1)
- Fruit type: Drupe
- Size: 1/4 inch
- Color: Scarlet
[Picture of Yaupon Holly fruit]
(Photo by Jessica Gomez)
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)
Interesting Facts (1,2)
-
Indians made infusion of the leaves and drank until vomiting occurred to cleanse them of impurities of body and soul.
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
Edited by Jessica Bartek
Department of Biology
-
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