Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon holly)

Ilex vomitoria Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ilex vomitoria EYE-leks vom-ih-TOR-ee-ah Common Name: Yaupon holly Genus: Ilex
Yaupon holly is an upright, irregularly branched, evergreen shrub or small tree with ovate, toothed, shiny dark-green leaves and gray branches. Profuse, transluscent scarlet fruit persists through the 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. I. vomitoria is adaptable to wet soil.
Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or early autumn.
Problems: Young shoots are susceptible to aphids; scale insects and leaf miners. Phytophtora root rot sometimes occurs.
Height 15 ft. to 30 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Native; Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Evergreen
Uses Hedge, Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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