Yaupon Holly

Yaupon holly often brings to mind winter, with its sharp evergreen leaves and bright clusters of cherry-red berries. Scientifically known as Ilex vomitoria, Yaupon is native to the southeastern United States. Its name often raises eyebrows, but it stems from its use in Native American rituals, where drinking the tea in excess was believed to cause vomiting. However, Yaupon tea is delicious and perfectly safe—unless, of course, you’re consuming it by the gallon!

I first discovered Yaupon after moving into my house in San Antonio, where an oddly pruned tree in the backyard caught my attention. To my surprise, it turned out to be Yaupon holly. I began harvesting its leaves regularly, drying them in the sun, and brewing tea.

Recently, in Birmingham, I came across young Yaupon plants being weeded out of a garden bed. I bundled a few and took them home to dry in my dehydrator. The tea I made was light in color and mild in flavor. After some research, I discovered that the branches could also be used to make tea, which has inspired me to gather more and continue experimenting.

A great website for reading more about Yaupon or other natives is the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database.  

Want a soap I created from the tea?  Here is an invigorating addition to any skin care regimen.