40 Yaupon Holly Bush Hedge Shrub Seeds, (Ilex vomitoria) USA Native Tea High Caffeine
Grow Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, Hardy 7-9
Other Names: Black Drink, White Drink, Cassine, Evergreen Cassena, Cassina, Emetic Holly
Yaupon holly makes for a great hedge shrub/bush or standalone as a tree. The shrubs can be trimmed to form shapely bushes/trees or be left alone to grow tall and unkempt. Either way when the bright red berries appear the birds will appreciate them and they will provide bright pops of color for the fall/winter months.
Yaupon Holly Other Uses:
The leaves of the yaupon holly can be brewed to make "black drink". Black drink (also called white drink or just yaupon tea) was very popular during the civil war as it is naturally high in caffeine. When coffee wasn't easily accessible, yaupon holly leaves were brewed to make this tea and supply the stimulating and energizing effects we seek from coffee and caffeinated teas. Note: Intake of yaupon tea should be limited to one cup per day. Drinking too much of it could be a detriment as it is also a useful purgative.
How to Care for Yaupon Holly
Yaupon Holly grows best in full to partial sun. It establishes well in sand although it will grow in other soil types. It's recommended to amend thick soil types with a bit of sand. Deep water weekly in its first year. Ensure sandy soils stay moist. Prune in late winter to ensure new growth. Avoid pruning off more than 1/3 of the plant.
Germination Procedure: To break dormancy, apply cold/moist stratification to the seeds for 2-3 months in the freezer before sowing. Otherwise, plant seeds in the fall for overwintering and await sprouting in spring. Sow seeds at 1/4 an inch depth. Keep seeds and soil moist throughout the germination phase.