Yaupon Holly

The Most Versatile Texas Native

The Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) may be the most versatile native tree/shrub in Texas. It can be grown as a small tree, hedge, or privacy screen. Female plants produce abundant red berries that attract birds. Extremely tough and adaptable. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Yaupon Hollies at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

1–2 ft/yr
Growth Rate
15–25 ft
Mature Height
Excellent
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Shade
Water
Low
Growth
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Red Winter Berries
Red Berries

Red Winter Berries

Female Yaupon Hollies produce abundant bright red berries in fall and winter, providing food for birds and color when most other plants are dormant.

Extremely versatile (tree, hedge, or screen) Bright red winter berries (female) Thrives in any light condition Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Yaupon Holly vs. Eastern Red Cedar

Two popular privacy options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Yaupon Holly

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtExcellent
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height15–25 ft
WaterLow
Best ForPrivacy, Screening, Wildlife

Eastern Red Cedar

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

6 ft
Planting
10 ft
Year 3
16 ft
Year 7
Full form
22 ft
Year 12+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Very drought-tolerant once established.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Shade
Water
Low
Growth Rate
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Canopy Spread
10–15 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Foliage
Evergreen
Native Range
SE United States & Texas
Soil
Any
Best For
Privacy, Screening, Wildlife
Category
Privacy
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Yaupon Hollys grow 1–2 ft/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Yes, very. Once established they need minimal supplemental water.

Mature size is typically 15–25 ft tall with a 10–15 ft spread.

They thrive in any soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Yaupon Hollys in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Yaupon Hollys are excellent for privacy, screening, wildlife in the San Antonio area.