Ilex vomitoria f. pendula (Weeping Yaupon Holly)

Ilex vomitoria f. pendula (Weeping Yaupon Holly) is a unique and visually appealing evergreen shrub, valued for its weeping habit, attractive foliage, and bright red berries.
It thrives effortlessly, adaptable to both dry and wet locations, and shows resilience to drought, salt, and urban environments. Its adaptability to different environments, coupled with its benefits to wildlife and low maintenance requirements, makes it a desirable addition to a variety of landscape settings.

Ilex vomitoria f. pendula: An In-depth Look

Ilex vomitoria f. pendula, commonly known as the Weeping Yaupon Holly, is a distinctive and ornamental evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It is noted for its unique weeping growth habit, with branches that droop downwards, creating an elegant and graceful appearance. The leaves are small, leathery, and dark green, providing year-round interest.

Native: Native from Virginia to Florida, Arkansas, Texas, and Mexico. It is found on coastal dunes, maritime forests, upland woodlands of various mixtures, and pine flatwoods. Mostly, it inhabits well-drained sites but also occurs on streambanks, wet woodlands, and floodplains.

Plant Type and Habit: This is an evergreen shrub with a weeping or pendulous growth habit. It is often grown as a small tree or large shrub, and its distinct form makes it a focal point in landscape designs.

Size: It usually grows to about 15-30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) and can spread 6-12 feet wide (1.8 to 3.6 meters), depending on pruning and training.

Flowers: Weeping Yaupon Holly is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. It produces small but attractive white flowers in the spring. The flowers are not very conspicuous but add a subtle charm to the plant.

Fruits: One of its notable features is the production of bright red berries on pollinated female plants. The berries are highly ornamental and persist through the winter, providing a striking contrast against the dark green foliage. Both male and female plants are needed to produce attractive red berries.

Foliage: The small, leathery, dark green leaves, 1.5 inches long (4 cm), are adorned with toothed margin leaves. Evergreen, they provide year-round interest. Both leaves and twigs contain caffeine, and Native Americans used them to prepare tea, which they drank in large quantities ceremonially and then vomited back up, hence the species name.

Bark: The bark is smooth and gray, becoming more textured with age.

Uses: It is used ornamentally in landscaping, often as a specimen plant, hedge, privacy screen, windbreak, in foundation plantings, or in mixed shrub borders. Its unique shape also makes it suitable for bonsai. The red-fruited branches make lovely home decorations.

Hardiness: Weeping Yaupon Holly is hardy in USDA zones 7-9, tolerating a range of climatic conditions.

Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife, especially in winter when food is scarce.

Toxicity: The berries are toxic to humans if ingested and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Deer and Rabbit: It is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice in areas where these animals are a concern.

Drought: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, though it appreciates occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Salt: It is notably tolerant of salt, both in terms of soil salinity and salt spray. This makes it a suitable choice for coastal landscapes and gardens in seaside regions.

Invasiveness: This plant is not considered invasive and typically stays contained within its planted area.

Benefits: Apart from its ornamental value, it provides ecological benefits, including serving as a food source for wildlife. It is also low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.

Yaupon Holly Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages more prolific berry production and denser foliage.

Soil: Adaptable to a range of soil types, but well-drained soil is ideal. Tolerates sandy and clay soils, as well as acidic to slightly alkaline pH levels.

Water: Requires moderate watering. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. Tolerates occasional flooding.

Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth at the expense of berry production.

Pruning: Prune to shape in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is also necessary to maintain the desired weeping form. Promptly remove root suckers unless naturalization is desired.

Propagation: Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds germinate best if planted immediately after collection. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late fall can be made to root.

Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Watch for leafminers, spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.