Yaupon

Ilex vomitoria Soland. in Ait.

Aquifolaceae (Holly family)


Description

Yaupon is a low-growing, evergreen shrub in the Holly family. It will form a trunk when trimmed but usually grows as a woody shrub. A native, cool- and warm-season perennial, this plant has branches that can reach 20 feet tall.

The leaves are oval, 2 to 4 inches long and entire with toothed margins. The flowers are white, and the fruits at maturity are bright red.

Yaupon provides good grazing for wildlife, fair grazing for livestock.


Habitat

This shrub grows in moist, acidic soils in the eastern part of the state.


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