Yaupon Holly is native to the southeastern United States, thriving in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, forests, and dunes.
It is an evergreen tree or shrub with small, leathery, elliptical leaves. The tree can reach heights of 15 to 25 feet, but it is often pruned and maintained as a smaller shrub.
Female Yaupon Holly trees produce small, bright red berries that persist through the winter, providing food for birds. It is one of the few native plants in North America.
The leaves of Yaupon Holly contain caffeine, and some Native American tribes historically used the leaves to make a caffeinated beverage.
Yaupon Holly is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and clayey soils. It is also tolerant of salt spray, making it suitable for coastal landscapes.
Yaupon Holly can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It is often used as an understory tree in forested areas.
Once established, Yaupon Holly is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for landscapes with periodic water shortages.
The berries of Yaupon Holly attract birds, providing a food source in the winter. The dense foliage also offers cover for wildlife.
Yaupon Holly is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge, screen, or foundation planting. It can be pruned into a formal shape or left to grow naturally.