Yaupon Holly

Native to regions including Oklahoma, the Yaupon Holly is a decorative evergreen with bright red berries to accent. In addition to providing striking winter color, the red berries are enjoyed by birds and small mammals, while the flowers attract pollinating insects. Yaupon Holly’s tolerate both the cold and heat, while also being drought tolerant. Interestingly, the leaves were used by Native Americans in a ceremonial tea, which would then be vomited. This practice is where the name vomitoria came from when naming the species of the Yaupon Holly. Containing caffeine, people still use the leaves to make tea today.