Yaupon Holly

     Based on the botanical name Ilex vomitoria, yaupon holly could easily make a bad first impression.  But its bright red berries are important winter food for many birds, ducks and mammals.  Like most hollies, it is evergreen, and both male and female plants are needed to produce berries. 
     Yaupons are native to the southeastern states and are usually found along coastal plains.  The shrub was considered an important plant in early Native American culture.  The wood was used to make arrows.  The leaves were used to make a strong tea called "black drink" which was consumed to induce vomiting during purification ceremonies.  It is the only native plant in North America that contains caffeine.