Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Florida Native Evergreen with Caffeinated Tea Leaves and Cultural Roots
The Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a resilient, evergreen native shrub or small tree that has nourished and energized people of the Southeast for centuries. Found naturally along Florida’s coasts, pine flatwoods, and hammocks, Yaupon is prized for its bright red berries, dense glossy foliage, and caffeinated leaves—the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America. Its small white spring flowers attract pollinators, and its berries feed songbirds and wildlife through the winter, making it both ecologically vital and deeply beautiful in every season.
Cultural & Herbal Significance
Long before coffee and tea reached the Americas, Indigenous peoples—including the Timucua, Creek, and Cherokee—brewed Yaupon leaves into a stimulating tea known as “black drink.” It was consumed during ceremonies and daily life for focus, energy, and purification. Today, Yaupon is being rediscovered as a sustainable, native tea plant with a smooth flavor similar to yerba mate—naturally low in bitterness and rich in antioxidants. Growing Yaupon connects you to this ancient Southern tradition and helps restore one of Florida’s most important native species.
Why Grow Yaupon Holly?
- Florida native evergreen that supports pollinators and birds year-round
- Leaves contain natural caffeine for brewing smooth, energizing tea
- Bright red berries feed wildlife and add winter color
- Hardy, drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable to sandy coastal soils
- Excellent as a native hedge, specimen tree, or edible landscape shrub
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Yaupon Holly thrives in Florida’s hot, humid conditions and tolerates drought, salt, and occasional flooding once established. It can be shaped as a hedge or grown as a multi-stemmed ornamental tree. Female plants produce bright red berries when pollinated by nearby males. Prune lightly after fruiting to shape. Hardy in USDA Zones 7–11, this tough, beautiful native is an easy long-term addition to any landscape.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ilex vomitoria |
| Common Names | Yaupon Holly, Cassina, Native Caffeinated Holly |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Origin | Southeastern United States (Florida native) |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 10–25 ft tall x 8–15 ft wide (prunable) |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained; sandy to loamy |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | White (small, pollinator-friendly) |
| USDA Zones | 7–11 |
| Florida Native | Yes |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen |
| Time to Harvest | 0-1 years for tea leaves; ongoing harvest thereafter |
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