Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

The Dwarf Yaupon Holly typically can tolerate a wide variety of conditions. It can be in partial shade all the way up to been directly in the sun, tolerates droughts, and typically needs to be in well drained soil.

Growth Habit/Description:

Dwarf Yaupon Holly is an dioecious broadleaf evergreen shrub that is about 2-4 feet tall and can grow at a steady rate of 3-5 inches wide every year as it is a slow growing plant. Female variations will have red berries from Fall into Winter.

Bloom Season:

Tiny greenish-white flowers bloom in the spring. Red berries appear on females in the fall.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes. Berries will appear on female shrubs in the fall attracting birds.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes. The Dwarf Yaupon Holly hosts the Henry's Elfin Butterfly or Callophrys henrici.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.  Birds are attracted to the berries of the Dwarf Yaupon Holly.

Origin Of Name: The Term Yaupon originates from early tribal rituals of drinking high amounts of Yaupon to vomit, or cleanse, the soul. This is also why the scientific name "vomitoria' is given to the plant.

It's Leaves: They are not actually pokey like most hollies.

Uses: Yaupon is used in a herbal tea and is a source of caffeine. Other than that, its uses are limited.

Henderson County Master Gardener Association. “Yaupon Holly Dwarf.” Henderson County Master Gardener Association, 4 May 2022, txmg.org/hendersonmg/plant-library/yaupon-holly-dwarf/.

Lorthiois, Gaspard. “Dwarf Yaupon Holly – Care, Pruning, Size and Landscaping.” Nature & Garden, 28 Oct. 2022, www.nature-and-garden.com/gardening/dwarf-yaupon-holly.html.

“Plant Database.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin, 2016, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ilvo.

Shufer, Vicki. “Yaupon Holly: A North American Plant Source of Caffeine.” Herbalgram.Web, www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/109/table-of-contents/hg109-feat-yaupon/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.