Yaupon Holly: Description

Yaupon holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a rounded or conical crown of dense, dark green foliage. It typically has smooth, light gray bark, sometimes with lighter grey or white splotches. The leaves are small, leathery, and oval, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler underside. The leaves also have shallow teeth along the margins. In the fall, female plants produce bright red berries.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Size and Shape:

Yaupon holly can grow as a shrub or a small tree, reaching heights of 15 to 30 feet. It typically has a dense, rounded or conical crown.

Bark:

The bark is smooth and light gray, sometimes with lighter gray or whitish blotches.

Leaves:

The leaves are small, oval or elliptical, and leathery. They are dark green on the upper surface and paler on the underside. The margins of the leaves have shallow teeth.

Flowers:

The flowers are small, white, and not very showy. Male and female flowers are on separate plants.

Berries:

Female plants produce bright red berries in the fall, which are a prominent feature.

Overall Appearance:

The dense, dark green foliage, smooth gray bark, and bright red berries (on female plants) make yaupon holly a visually appealing and attractive plant in the landscape.

——Adapted from the Florida Wildflower Foundation

Related Information

Plant Fact Sheet: Yaupon: Ilex vomitoria Aiton

Yaupon holly. Florida Wildflower Foundation

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