Ilex vomitoria: Yaupon Holly for Screening in Wet Areas

Ilex vomitoria (yaupon holly) is an upright, irregularly branched evergreen shrub or small tree with ovate, toothed, shiny dark-green leaves and gray branches. Profuse, translucent scarlet fruit persists through winter.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Useful for screening or hedging in swampy areas.

Care

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to wet soil.

Propagation

Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or early autumn.

Problems

Young shoots susceptible to aphids; scale insects and leaf miners. Phytophthora root rot sometimes occurs.

Overview

• Height: 15–30 ft.
• Spread: 10–15 ft.
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Characteristics: Attracts Song Birds, Native, Showy Foliage
• Foliage Color: Evergreen
• Uses: Hedge, Screening, Specimen Plant/Focal Point
• Style: Woodland Garden
• Seasonal Interest: Spring Interest
• Type: Shrubs