Species

Ilex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

5 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria 'Hightower'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex vomitoria, native to the southeastern United States, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree with small, spineless glossy foliage and exceptional tolerance for drought, salt spray, and periodic soil saturation. The species is dioecious, bearing tiny greenish-white spring flowers that yield persistent bright red berries on female plants when cross-pollinated by a male.

'Hightower' is a female cultivar selected for its narrow, tightly pyramidal to columnar habit and dense structural branching. It maintains a formal upright shape with minimal pruning and sets a heavy crop of bright red berries when planted near a compatible male pollinator.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round green structure with a narrow columnar footprint and vibrant winter berries.

Tolerates severe coastal salt spray, urban soil compaction, wet soil, and summer drought once established.

Offers dense nesting cover for songbirds while flowers attract native bees and generalist pollinators.

SpeciesIlex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial (Long-lived shrub)

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Berries low toxicity if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade, allowing space for its tall columnar habit.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, setting the root crown level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk stem.

Pro Tip

Prune to shape during late winter before new growth emerges; avoid shearing deep into old bare wood where dormant buds may fail to sprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to encourage the densest branching and maximum fruit yield.
Water regularly during the first growing season until root system establishment is complete.
Maintain a compatible male yaupon holly within pollination distance to ensure fruit production.

Don't

Do not shear severely into old leafless stems, as adventitious regrowth is poor.
Do not over-fertilize, as yaupon hollies grow well in low-nutrient soils.
Do not plant in deep shade if a tight columnar form and heavy berry set are desired.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenFoundation PlantingSpecimen/Focal PointCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Myrica cerifera Callicarpa americana Muhlenbergia capillaris Magnolia grandiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yaupon Holly questions

What zones can Yaupon Holly grow in?

Yaupon Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yaupon Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Yaupon Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Yaupon Holly bloom?

Yaupon Holly typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yaupon Holly need full sun?

Yaupon Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Yaupon Holly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Yaupon Holly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.