Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

Family: Aquifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ilex vomitoria is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mildly stimulating beverage containing caffeine is made from the dried and roasted leaves. — A mildly stimulating beverage containing caffeine is made from the dried and roasted leaves.; The tea is stimulating and intoxicating.; The leaves are first steeped in cold and then in boiling water.; They are also used to flavour ice cream and soft drinks.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy woods and clearings. Low moist woods, especially near the coast. Often forming dense thickets along streams and pond margins and shallow swamp lands. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)