Texas Wildbuds
Ilex vomitoria
(Yaupon Holly)
Ilex vomitoria, Staminate blossoms, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 4244
Ilex vomitoria, Staminate blossoms, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 3391
Ilex vomitoria, Pistillate blossoms, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 3467
Ilex vomitoria, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 3468
Ilex vomitoria, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 3457
Ilex vomitoria, Westminster Glen, Austin, Travis Co. 4287
| Scientific Name | Ilex vomitoria | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ILVO |
| Common Name | Yaupon Holly | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 27986 |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae (Holly) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Moist or well drained, sandy, loamy, clay, limestone, or gravelly soils; in wooded areas. Plant: Upright, single- or multi-trunked shrub or small tree, growing 12-45 feet high but usually no higher than 25 feet; pale gray bark marked with white patches. Found in natural environments in central TX and in southern states. Commercially available. Leaves: Dark green above, small elliptic to oblong or ovate-elliptic usually less than 1-1/2 in. long; finely-toothed edges. Inflorescence: Inconspicuous small flowers in clusters on peduncles; 4 white petals; dioecious (male and female blossoms on separate plants). Fruit: Huge number of persistent red spherical berries on female trees, up to 1/4-inch in diameter. Bloom Period: March to May. References: Wildflower Center and "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key | Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2025