Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly 'Pride of Houston')

Yaupon Holly is an attractive Texas native evergreen shrub or small tree. Female plants produce red berries that are cherished by birds, and its dense branching and foliage provide nesting, resting, and hiding places for them. Yaupon is a versatile plant that tolerates drought and poor drainage, with the best production of red fruit when in full sun. Yaupon Holly can be grown as an understory tree, as it has more of an open-growth habit in the shade. It works well as a specimen tree or as an evergreen screen. Young leaves contain caffeine and may be used to make tea, while fruiting branches can be used as holiday decorations. 

'Pride of Houston' is said to have a more upright growing habit with better branching and heavier berry production than the species.

AT A GLANCE

DISTRIBUTION MAPS 

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

Present in state

Present in county and native

Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state

Not present in state

Present and rare, native in county

Previously present, now extinct

Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)