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 Texas native Nativar Water use Low to medium Sun exposure Sun to part shade Bloom color White Bloom time Spring Mature height 12-20 ft Evergreen Yes Attracts Butterflies, bees, birds Host plant Henry's elfin butterfly Edible Yes, leaves Notes Leave contain caffeine and can be used to brew tea.   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)