Desert Yaupon
Schaefferia cuneifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–48" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Desert Yaupon is a compact evergreen shrub that forms a neat, rounded shape with small glossy leaves. It produces tiny flowers from spring through summer and develops small berries that birds enjoy. This drought-tolerant native requires minimal care once established and maintains its attractive appearance year-round.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert Yaupon takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The long blooming period from March through August provides nectar for butterflies and bees. Birds are attracted to the small berries produced after flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Desert Yaupon need?
- Desert Yaupon grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Desert Yaupon bloom?
- Desert Yaupon blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Desert Yaupon native?
- Desert Yaupon (Schaefferia cuneifolia) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Desert Yaupon attract?
- Desert Yaupon draws butterflies and bees.
- Is Desert Yaupon HOA-friendly?
- Desert Yaupon takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Desert Yaupon fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.