Yaupon Holly

A vital larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies including Dusky-blue Groundstreak, Henry's Elfin, and Henry's Elfin Butterfly, Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a evergreen Texas tree native across the East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, and Western Gulf Coastal Plain. During Spring, the plant produces white blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental drupes red, spherical, shiny, up to 1/4 inch in diameter, containing 4 nutlets. although technically drupes, the fruit is commonly referred to as berries that add seasonal interest. It plays a key ecological role as a larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies, including Dusky-blue Groundstreak, Henry's Elfin, and Henry's Elfin Butterfly. Many species of birds eat the fruit but usually only in late winter after several freezes and thaws. Mammals eat the fruit as well, and the flowers attract insects. Birds employ the dense branches for nesting sites. Thriving in clay, gravelly, limestone, loam, moist, poor drainage, sand, and well drained, Yaupon Holly demonstrates outstanding hardiness once established. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease. It offers moderate deer resistance.