Ilex vomitoria f. pendula (Weeping Yaupon Holly)

Article by Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer Kathryn Copley

Weeping Yaupon Holly is a native, rapidly growing, easily transplanted broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach 15 to sometimes 30 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide. Give it full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) or partial shade (2 to 6 hours of direct sun), though it will produce more fruit and have a thicker canopy with more sun.

It tolerates heavy pruning, and it tolerates wind and hot climates better than most evergreen hollies. It is deer resistant and easy to grow with a tolerance for drought, occasional flooding, salt, and urban conditions.

Plants are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Greenish-white inconspicuous, nectar-rich, fragrant flowers appear in spring on separate male and female plants. Female plants need a male pollinator in order to produce their large clusters of small translucent red berries in fall that usually last until spring.

Its weeping form makes a great specimen or accent plant, and it is good for topiary. The leaves are small, leathery and glossy green and are not prickly like other hollies. Its tightly packed evergreen leaves make it ideal for sheering. The plant will form thickets unless suckers are removed. Flowers attract pollinators and fruits are attractive to birds and small mammals.

Resources

• NC Extension Plant Toolbox:
  • Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula'
  • Yaupon Holly - Ilex vomitoria
• Sea Grant North Carolina | Native Plant Picks 
• Home & Garden Center: Holly

By Kathryn Copley, Extension Master Gardener SM Volunteer, Brunswick County, NC For more information on gardening in Brunswick County, please call the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office 910-253-2610