Keep Wimberley Beautiful

About two weeks ago, I had the delightful experience of watching a migrating flock of robins devour the red berries on my loaded Yaupon holly tree. I don’t remember having seen this happen before, but it surely it has. I just happened to be outside and near the tree when this brief feast for the birds occurred. Today, my yaupon is berry and leaf free. Other birds and animals, such as deer and raccoons, also eat these colorful berries. This yaupon is native to our area and it is commonly found in the hillsides as well as used freely for landscaping purposes. It is a small tree or large shrub about 5 – 9 meters high. It is slow growing but quite hardy once established. Its dense, green foliage and its adaptability to being pruned makes it a popular plant. The botanical name, Ilex vomitoria, comes from the mistaken belief by Europeans that the plant caused vomiting in certain ceremonies. It is the only indigenous plant in the U.S. to contain caffeine. Today a yaupon tea is sometimes available in a few areas.

Another popular yaupon used for landscape purposes is the dwarf yaupon holly. This is a small, rounded, slow-growing shrub about one foot or so high. It seldom, if ever, needs pruning. Some nice examples of the dwarf yaupon holly are in the beds to the right and left of the entrance nearest the door of the post office. They were once severely pruned and the gardener thought they would not come back. They did, however, and today they are attractive once again. These plants also are good for bonsai specimens.

Do consider using these yaupons if you are looking for enduring, lovely green native plants in your landscaping.

Written by Martha Knies