Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'

Ilex vomitoria, commonly known as Yaupon, is native to various habitats from Virginia to Florida, Arkansas, and Texas, including sandy woods, dunes, open fields, forest edges, and wet swamps. The dwarf cultivar 'Nana' of the species is densely rounded and round. It has a diameter of 0.5-1.5 inches. Long, dark green leaves that are yellow-green when new. Pollinated flowers on female shrubs mature into persistent red drupes, although they are less common and striking than their species counterparts. 'Nana' grows three to five feet tall and three to six feet wide.

In the Native American tradition, the leaves were used to make an emetic drink that, when consumed in large quantities, caused cleansing.

The plant grows in average soil that is moist to medium and in full sun to partial shade. Growing in shade or sun, it can grow in dry, wet, and a variety of soils in its native habitat. In general, it is more drought tolerant than most other hollies. In winter, prune if necessary. This species is dioecious (male and female plants are separate). For female plants to bear fruit, they need a male pollinator. Root suckers should be removed unless naturalization is desired.


Height: 3’-6’
Spread: 3’-5’
Bloom: April
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade, Dappled Shade
Water: Medium to High
Zone: 7, 8, 9
Origin: Texas