How to identify Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)

How to identify Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)

Yaupon, also known as Cassina, Dwarf yaupon holly

Yaupon exhibits distinctive evergreen foliage as a characteristic trait. The leaves are arranged alternately on branches, typically measuring around 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length and 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) in width. Each leaf presents a rounded apex and base, which contributes to its recognizable shape. The foliage maintains its rich green hue throughout the year, a feature that aids in its identification among other plant species.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Yaupon

Evergreen foliage with rounded leaves, maintaining rich green hue year-round.

Small, greenish-white fragrant flowers appearing in clusters in spring.

Vivid red, 1/4 inch diameter drupes in clusters, providing ornamental value and wildlife food.

Oval, glossy leaves with finely toothed margins, veins pinnate for structural integrity.

Distinctive stem color change from vivid purple to light gray, branching pattern symmetric and spaced.

Detailed Traits of Yaupon

Leaf Features

Yaupon leaves are oval-shaped, measuring approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. They exhibit a glossy green hue and have a leathery texture. The margins of the leaves are finely toothed, adding to their distinctive appearance. Both the base and the tip of the leaves are rounded, which is characteristic of this plant. The veins are pinnate, providing structural integrity and aiding in identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

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Flower Features

The flowers of yaupon are small, greenish-white, and appear on male and female plants in spring, particularly in April. They are fragrant but generally inconspicuous, growing either solitary or in pairs, and cluster on peduncles in the leaf axils. These blooms, typically 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) in diameter, present from March to May. The petals are arranged symmetrically, often with a subtle gloss, contributing to their delicate appearance.

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Stem Features

The stems of yaupon are characterized by their distinctive color change: young stems display a vivid purple hue, maturing to a light gray or white-gray as they age. They are generally slender, with a smooth texture. These stems typically grow in a branching pattern that is well-spaced and symmetrical. Over time, the stems become more robust, reaching a thickness of about 0.2 inches (5 mm) on mature plants. This color evolution and branching pattern are key identification features.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of yaupon are small, round drupes measuring approximately 1/4 inch (6-7 mm) in diameter. They appear in clusters and are characterized by a vivid red color which matures in the fall and remains conspicuous into the winter months. The skin of these fruits has a smooth texture, and inside, each drupe contains seeds that are essential for the propagation of yaupon. These berries not only add ornamental value during colder seasons but also provide food for local wildlife.

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Yaupon and Their Similar Plants

Common holly vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen tree or shrub, recognized by the characteristic shape of its leaves and bright red berries. Its natural habitat is understories of oak and beech forests. Common holly is widely used in landscaping in temperate regions. Thick crown and prickly leaves make this plant excellent for hedges.

Japanese holly vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. Japanese holly is a flowering plant, and its flowers transition into berries during summer. This plant is popularly planted as an ornamental shrub and can be grown as a Bonsai tree.

Chinese holly vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub native to China and Korea. The chinese holly is often grown ornamentally in gardens and is considered easy to grow and maintain. The chinese holly bears fruits that are thought to be superior to other holly species.

American holly vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Ilex opaca, commonly known as american holly, is a medium-sized evergreen tree, commonly found in southeastern areas of North America as an understory tree in humid forests. Its bright red fruits are poisonous to humans but are a very important source of food for numerous species of birds.

Common winterberry vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a berry species commonly grown in eastern gardens within the United States. Common winterberry is valued for its ability to grow in temperate climates and the colors it provides as an ornamental plant. The common winterberry is also called Michigan holly.

Inkberry vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a species native to the eastern United States. Inkberry is valued for its flavorful floral blossoms which are used as commercial ingredients in honey. Its leaves can be turned into a tea which is popular in East Asia.

Possumhaw vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

Possumhaw is a deciduous shrub that can grow to tree-like dimensions in the right conditions. The leaves are a dark green and the fruits are red, shiny, and round with a diameter of 4 to 8 mm. Only female plants produce these berries.

Long-stalk holly vs. Yaupon: What's The Difference?

The branches are gray the leaves are 1 to 2 cm long and the petiole is long. The leaves alternate the leaves are oval slightly leathery shiny and generous in appearance. The front surface is dark green and smooth the back surface is slightly pale and the middle rib protrudes. The edges are smooth but wavy. Tree height grows up to 3-7 meters. The flowering period is around spring-summer and is dioecious. The female flowers grow singly on the axils and the male flowers gather a small number of small white flowers in the inflorescence. The fruit hangs with a handle of 5 to 6 cm is spherical with a diameter of about 7 mm and ripens red in fall.

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Key Facts About Yaupon

Attributes of Yaupon

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

5 m to 9 m

Spread

2.5 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 mm to 6 mm

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Green

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Scientific Classification of Yaupon

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)

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Distribution Map of Yaupon

The yaupon shrub is native to the southeastern United States, growing along coastal plains in many sandy soil conditions. The shrub is cultivated throughout the southern United States, often as a low-growing hedge.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Yaupon How to Grow and Care for Yaupon