Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
Last reviewed: June 2026
Yaupon Holly is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States that blooms with small white flowers from March through May. This drought-tolerant plant attracts butterflies and beneficial insects while thriving in full sun to partial shade.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Yaupon Holly as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
144"–300" H × 96"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Yaupon Holly is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be maintained as a compact foundation plant or allowed to grow into a large screening hedge. It produces small white flowers in spring followed by bright red berries on female plants, and tolerates drought well once established.
Growing Yaupon Holly
Grow Yaupon Holly in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 144 to 300 inches tall and spread 96 to 144 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yaupon Holly 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
Spring flowers attract butterflies and other nectar-seeking insects. The bright red berries provide important food for birds throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where is Yaupon Holly native to?
- Yaupon Holly is native to 11 southeastern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Yaupon Holly bloom?
- Yaupon Holly produces small white flowers from March through May, providing early season nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators does Yaupon Holly attract?
- Yaupon Holly attracts butterflies and various nectar-seeking insects with its small white spring flowers.
- What growing conditions does Yaupon Holly prefer?
- This adaptable evergreen shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers low to moderate water conditions once established, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Yaupon Holly toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Yaupon Holly as toxic to livestock.
- Is Yaupon Holly HOA-friendly?
- Yaupon Holly 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 Yaupon Holly fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.