Quick answer: Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is native to 11 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Luteus, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist or well-drained sandy, loamy, clay, limestone, or gravelly soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-May |
| Height | 12-45 ft, usually under 25 ft |
| Wildlife value | Birds eat red drupes, mammals eat fruit, nectar source, larval host for Henry's Elfin |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Yaupon holly
Where is Yaupon holly native?
Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is native to 11 states across the South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Yaupon holly bloom?
Yaupon holly blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Yaupon holly need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Moist or well-drained sandy, loamy, clay, limestone, or gravelly soils. Mature height: 12-45 ft, usually under 25 ft.
Is Yaupon holly good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Birds eat red drupes, mammals eat fruit, nectar source, larval host for Henry's Elfin.
Is Yaupon holly deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Yaupon holly is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Yaupon holly seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Ilex vomitoria on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Yaupon holly.
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- Farkleberry Vaccinium arboreum
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
Also listed under
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