Common Name: Yaupon Holly

General Information

Ilex vomitoria is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 metres tall, occasionally more. The plant can form dense thickets, spreading by means of suckers[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. There is evidence to show that the plant was semi-cultivated by the native tribes who would have looked after it in order to obtain material for ceremonies[]. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued for its winter display of evergreen leaves and red fruits. It is much used as a hedge in southeast N. America.
Ilex vomitoria is widespread and common through much of its range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

Ilex species in general contain several potentially toxic compounds, particularly saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids. These compounds also often have a range of potential health benefits[, , ].
The berries are usually the part of the plant most likely to be toxic, though the degree of toxicity is usually low. Their bitter flavour usually prevents a person eating more than one or two, but even a small handful of the fruit eaten by a healthy adult is unlikely to cause more than feelings of nausea that can lead on to vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The compounds in the leaves are particularly interesting. The leaves of many Ilex species around the world are commonly used to make health-promoting teas that, when drunk on a regular basis, help to regulate bodily functions and can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood-cholesterol levels etc (See Ilex paraguariensis or Ilex kaushue for examples)[]. Even these teas, however, if taken in very concentrated doses, can act as a laxative or cause vomiting. Indeed, several species are used by traditional peoples to induce vomiting as a means of purifying the body (see Ilex guayusa or Ilex vomitoria for examples)

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southern N. America - Oklahoma and Texas, east to Virginia and Florida; southern Mexico (Chiapas); Caribbean - Cuba

Habitat

Sandy woods and clearings[]. Low moist woods, especially near the coast[]. Often forming dense thickets along streams and pond margins and shallow swamp lands[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ilex vomitoria grows best in climates with mild winters and long, hot, humid summers[]. It is only moderately cold-hardy, tolerating occasional short periods with temperatures falling as low as -15°c[, ].
Grows well in full sun to partial shade, succeeding in most soils so long as they are not water-logged[, ]. Prefers a sandy soil[]. Dislikes extended periods of drought, but it is more drought-tolerant than most other Ilex species[]. The plant has an ability to survive the combined effects of salt spray, constant wind, full sunlight, and high temperatures[]. Grows best in soils with a pH within the range 4.5 - 7[].
A slow-growing species in the wild, often forming dense thickets from root suckers[].
The leaves remain on the plant for 2 - 3 years, falling just before the appearance of new leaves in the spring[].
Flowers are produced on the current year's growth[]. They are inconspicuous, but fragrant[].
Resents root disturbance, especially as the plants get older[]. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.
The fruits are much liked by birds[].
This species is the only plant native to North America that contains caffeine[].

Edible Uses

A mildly stimulating beverage containing caffeine is made from the dried and roasted leaves[, , ]. The tea is stimulating and intoxicating[]. The leaves are first steeped in cold and then in boiling water[]. The leaves are also used to flavour ice cream and soft drinks[].
The roasted leaves and shoots can also be used to make a much stronger, dark, tea like drink called 'black drink' by boiling the leaves for several hours to produce a thick, black liquid. This drink was used medicinally and in rituals to induce vomiting and to purify the body. It was also used socially as a drink or offering to indicate friendly intentions to guests[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves is emetic, laxative and purgative[, , ]. It is used to treat tremors in the nerves[].

The plant was used ritually by several native N. American tribes. The leaves were toasted over a fire and then boiled for several hours. The resulting thick black liquid was then drunk and this was followed by immediate vomiting[]. This was often used as a purification rite prior to hunting[]. The plant was also used as a hallucinogen to 'evoke ecstasies[].

The bark was used to treat nightmares where the patient sees ghosts and talks during sleep[].
Sore eyes were treated with an eyewash made by scraping off the inner bark and boiling it in water for several hours[].

Agroforestry Uses:

This species is occasionally used for hedging in the southern states of America[]. An excellent hedging plant, responding well to trimming and producing a thick screen[]. It can be used in topiary, with individual plants being trimmed into ornamental designs[].

Other Uses

The powderede leaves are used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Wood - hard, heavy, strong, close grained. It weighs 46lb per cubic foot. Too small for commercial exploitation, the wood is used locally for turnery, inlay work, woodenware etc[, , , ]. The wood is used to make arrows[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[, ]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the following year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up.
Layering in early autumn. Takes 2 years[].