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Botanical Garden

Ilex vomitoria - Yaupon holly

Ilex Vomitoria red berries
Ilex Vomitoria bush on the ground
Ilex Vomitoria red berries
Ilex Vomitoria bush on the ground
Ilex Vomitoria red berries
Ilex Vomitoria bush on the ground

Family Aquifoliaceae

Description:

This holly is native to the southeastern U.S. and Mexico, including north Florida. Like most hollies, this species is dioecious. This is a popular landscape plant in the southern U.S. It is adaptable to a wide variety of garden conditions. Several varieties have been selected for their growth habits, leaf types and fruit colors. The leaves were used to make a ceremonial drink by native Americans. The fruits are valuable as wildlife food.

Location:

See the dwarf shrubby variety in the 123 Plaza and the front of the library. See the weeping variety at the Arena. Typical tree types are scattered around campus.

Size:

The typical wild plant is a small to medium sized tree of twenty feet tall or more. The dwarf, shrubby varieties can reach about four to five feet tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part shade

Water: very drought tolerant when established

Soil: very adaptable, no special requirements

This is a very adaptable garden plant in north Florida. It is adaptable to moist, dry, sunny, and shady gardens.