Holly Yaupon
(Ilex vomitoria)
- Type: Evergreen
- Light: Sun to partial shade
- Height: 15-20'
- Spread: 8-10'
- Flower: Greenish-White
- Bloom: Spring
- Fruit: Red
- Fruit Time: Fall/Winter
Yaupon is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the eastern USA and is primarily found in coastal NC. It can reach 10 to 20 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Flowers appear in spring on separate male and female plants. Female shrubs produce red berries in fall if fertilized. The plant will form thickets unless suckers are removed.
Plant in average well-drained soils in sun to shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand both drought and occasional flooding. It makes a good screen, windbreak, or security plant, grows rapidly, and transplants easily. This plant can take heavy pruning and is good for topiary.