Yaupon was traditionally used by Native Americans to make an infusion containing caffeine. It is only one of two known plants endemic to North America that produce caffeine. Yaupon is in the same family and genus as yerba maté. Prepare tea by boiling the parched leaves in water. It can reach 10 to 20 feet tall, sometimes as tall as 30 feet, and 8-12 feet wide. The plant will form thickets unless suckers are removed. Plant in average well-drained soils in sun to shade, though it will produce more fruit and have a thicker canopy with more sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand both drought and occasional flooding. It makes a good screen, windbreak, or security plant, grows rapidly, and transplants easily. This plant can take heavy pruning and is good for topiary.
Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)
Description
Yaupon was traditionally used by Native Americans to make an infusion containing caffeine. It is only one of two known plants endemic to North America that produce caffeine. Yaupon is in the same family and genus as yerba maté. Prepare tea by boiling the parched leaves in water. It can reach 10 to 20 feet tall, sometimes as tall as 30 feet, and 8-12 feet wide. The plant will form thickets unless suckers are removed. Plant in average well-drained soils in sun to shade, though it will produce more fruit and have a thicker canopy with more sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand both drought and occasional flooding. It makes a good screen, windbreak, or security plant, grows rapidly, and transplants easily. This plant can take heavy pruning and is good for topiary.
