Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)

Also known as: Cassina, Dwarf yaupon holly

Yaupon, a native shrub or small tree in the southeastern United States, is notable for its evergreen leaves and small white spring flowers, followed by black berries that attract birds. In landscaping, it is popular for hedges and borders due to its dense foliage and trim tolerance. Beyond its garden utility, yaupon holds historical significance for Native American tribes. They brewed its leaves into a caffeinated tea, known as "black drink," for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, leveraging its stimulant and diuretic properties. This tea was integral to rituals, social gatherings, and spiritual purification ceremonies.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Yaupon

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

5 m to 9 m

Spread

2.5 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 mm to 6 mm

Flower Color

White Yellow Green

Images of Yaupon

Quickly Identify Yaupon

Evergreen foliage with rounded leaves, maintaining rich green hue year-round.

Small, greenish-white fragrant flowers appearing in clusters in spring.

Vivid red, 1/4 inch diameter drupes in clusters, providing ornamental value and wildlife food.

Oval, glossy leaves with finely toothed margins, veins pinnate for structural integrity.

Distinctive stem color change from vivid purple to light gray, branching pattern symmetric and spaced.

Scientific Classification of Yaupon

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Aquifoliales

Family

Holly

Genus

Ilex

Species

Yaupon

Planting and Growing of Yaupon

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Yaupon?

Ilex vomitoria, commonly known as Yaupon Holly, requires a moderate and consistent watering schedule. Ensure that each irrigation provides about 500 milliliters of water per session. The watering should penetrate deeply into the soil but should not result in pooling or excessive wetness. Adequate watering allows the roots to grow steadily without encountering waterlogged conditions, vital for the plant's health.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Yaupon? ›

What should I do if my Yaupon is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Yaupon? ›

How to save an overwatered Yaupon? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Yaupon?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Ilex vomitoria thrives best with full to partial sun exposure. The ideal lighting fosters robust growth, encourages vibrant leaf color, and maximizes fruit production, critical for its ecological role in the garden.

What is the ideal light requirement for Ilex vomitoria? ›

How to achieve ideal lighting for Ilex vomitoria? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide Ilex vomitoria? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Yaupon?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 80℉

Ilex vomitoria thrives in regions where temperatures are consistently between 65°F and 80°F. This range allows the plant to maintain optimal growth and metabolic function. The moderate warmth supports processes like photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, essential for healthy foliage and berry production.

What Soil is Best for Yaupon?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy soil, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Ilex vomitoria requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot and other water-related problems. Well-drained soil helps maintain a balance in soil moisture, allowing the roots to absorb nutrients efficiently without being suffocated by excess water. This plant thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which provides essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nutrients are vital for healthy leaf growth, vibrant berry production, and overall plant vigor. A sufficiently deep soil profile is important for the yaupon holly to develop a robust root system. Deep soils allow roots to penetrate and spread, offering stability and the capacity to access more nutrients and water reserves.

How to Fertilize Yaupon?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

While fertilizing Ilex vomitoria, moderation is key. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied at half the recommended strength every two weeks during the growing season. For slow-release fertilizers, use about 1/2 cup per 10 square feet of soil surface, applied in early spring.

How to Prune Yaupon?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Start by examining the overall shape of the Ilex vomitoria. Using sharp, sterilized pruning shears, trim away any dead or diseased branches. Next, selectively prune branches to shape the plant, ensuring you maintain its natural form. Finally, remove any branches that cross or rub against each other to prevent damage. It's best to prune in early spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. Aim to remove no more than a third of the plant's wood in any pruning session to prevent stress. Perform cuts at a 45-degree angle to minimize water retention and protect the plant from rot.

How to Propagate Yaupon plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Summer

Collect ripe berries from the Ilex vomitoria plant and remove the seeds by gently squeezing the berries. Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp, which can inhibit germination. Let the seeds dry for a day or two before planting.

Choose a healthy, disease-free branch from the plant. Cut a 4 to 6-inch long piece just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Fill small pots with a well-draining soil mix. Insert cuttings into the pots, ensuring at least one node is below the soil. Firm the soil around the base of the cuttings to eliminate air pockets and water thoroughly.

How to Repot Yaupon plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Ilex vomitoria shows signs of needing repotting when its roots start to circle the pot's edges or when water sits on the surface for too long, indicating compacted soil. Ideally, repot during early spring or autumn when the plant is less stressed, allowing roots to establish before the extreme heat or cold sets in.

Select a pot that's only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. The pot should have ample drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. A slightly larger pot encourages moderate growth, providing room for the roots without overwhelming the plant with excessive soil.

Use a well-draining, acidic soil mix to suit Ilex vomitoria's preferences. A mix containing pine bark, peat moss, and a bit of sand is ideal. This composition ensures good drainage, ample aeration, and the slight acidity these plants thrive on, while retaining enough moisture for root health.

Toxicity of Yaupon

Is Yaupon toxic to cat?

Yaupon possesses a low level of toxicity for cats, which can create risks if consumed in large quantities. Every portion of the yaupon plant, including the leaves and berries, has the potential to be harmful, necessitating vigilant observation by cat owners to prevent ingestion. Felines that have ingested yaupon may display signs of physical distress or symptoms of illness, requiring prompt intervention. It is essential to take the affected cat to a veterinary clinic immediately for appropriate care to mitigate these harmful effects and safeguard the cat's health.

Is Yaupon toxic to dog?

Yaupon presents a mild toxicity risk to dogs. Although the plant is not classified as highly toxic, ingesting it in substantial amounts can result in poisoning. Dogs can be affected by the toxins found in any part of the yaupon, as all components of the plant are deemed potentially harmful. The symptoms of poisoning due to yaupon may differ, but could encompass gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, along with lethargy or more severe reactions depending on the ingested quantity. It is vital for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to yaupon, particularly in regions where these plants are abundant. If a dog is suspected of consuming yaupon, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is critical to ensure prompt treatment and minimize potential health issues.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.