Growing Yaupon Hollies Learn About Yaupon Holly Care

Plant yaupon holly in a location with plenty of sun. Although it tolerates afternoon shade, you'll get more, and better, berries in full sun. Keep the soil around the shrub moist until it becomes established. Don't amend the soil or fertilize yaupon hollies at planting time unless the soil is very poor.

How fast does Yaupon holly grow?

Quick Facts: Mature Height: 15' Feet Tall. Fall Color: N / A. Growth Rate: 1' Per Year.

Do Yaupon hollies grow fast?

This versatile plant can also be used as a hedge, screen, barrier, or even in Bonsai. Yaupon holly's fast growth rate and small leaves make it a perfect choice for topiary.

How do you prune a Yaupon holly tree?

Prune up to one-third of the branches out of the yaupon holly to open its interior to more sun and air circulation, particularly when the plant is young. Cut down to the base of the stem or where it joins another, larger branch.

Is Yaupon holly invasive?

This plant is not perceived as problematic when present in low numbers. However, without proper management, yaupon becomes an invasive plant, reducing the quantity and diversity of herbaceous vegetation, presumably due to its thick canopy and by out-competing other plants for sunlight and nutrients.

Do birds eat Yaupon holly berries?

Wildlife: The showy red berries of yaupon attract wildlife and are an important food for many songbirds, gamebirds and waterfowl. ... Florida ducks, black ducks, mourning doves, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail and wild turkeys also consume the berries.

Is Yaupon holly poisonous?

Short Answer, Yes. Plants That Poison by Schmutz and Hamilton states that the poisonous parts on hollies are the berries. "The berries of all species are reported to be poisonous if eaten in quantity.

Is Yaupon holly poisonous to dogs?

Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) depression, drooling, caffeine like stimulatory effects. Leaves and berries are low toxicity.

How tall does a Yaupon holly get?

Middle-aged Yaupon Holly. This upright, spreading small evergreen tree or large shrub, capable of reaching 15 to 25 feet in height with a similar spread, has small, grey-green, leathery leaves densely arranged along smooth, stiff, light grey branches (Fig. 1).

How do you identify Yaupon holly?

Identifying Characteristics

Yaupon holly is an upright, evergreen shrub or small tree that usually grows 20' to 30' in height. It is characterized by a rounded, open crown. Leaves: The small leaves are simple, alternately arranged, less than 2" long, and ovate to elliptical in shape.

Can you cut the top off a holly tree?

ANSWER: It's better not to remove the top of a tree. Cutting off the central leader encourages branching that produces an abnormally shaped tree. The upper branches of a tree may be several feet apart.

How do you rejuvenate a holly tree?

Cut back all the branches of an overgrown holly bush to 6 inches shorter than your desired size for the plant. Prune off branches that cross other branches, and thin out dense areas, removing weak and overcrowded growth. Cut back growing tips each time they put on 6 inches of growth.

How long do holly berries last?

Pictured from top left, clockwise: English holly is a prickly holiday standard that's ideal for use in garlands and wreaths. It lasts up to one week indoors, longer in cut arrangements.

Will remedy kill Yaupon?

Answer: Remedy Ultra Herbicide is labeled for yaupon holly and should do a good job when used as directed on the product label. Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester Ultra contains the same active ingredient at a lower cost if smaller areas need treatment.

Does Yaupon holly have thorns?

Standard yaupon holly has many of the same characteristics of pyracantha. It has berries for the birds, grows to the same dimensions, can be pruned to any size or shape and is drought-tolerant. Standard yaupon does not have thorns, is not eaten by deer, has more shade tolerance than pyracantha and is native to Texas.

Is Yaupon holly native to Texas?

According to Texas A&M Extension Service,AgriLIFE Extension, yaupon holly is probably the most versatile evergreen holly for general use in Texas. It grows on almost any soil type and in sun or shade and is a Texas native. It is drought tolerant, but can also survive temporary poor drainage.

Are holly berries poisonous to wildbirds?

Holly. Holly is a great decoration for holiday festivities, but its leaves and berries are poisonous to birds. Because the berries might look like a tasty snack for many birds, opt for synthetic holly in your holiday decorations to keep your pet healthy and safe.

Why do birds eat holly berries?

The hardy leaves offer wild birds a great place for shelter (especially in the winter) and for nesting. The berries (which only grown on a pollinated female plant) provide food for many winter birds.

What kind of birds eat holly berries?

Frugivores are birds that eat fruits and berries, and include: American robins, cedar waxwings, eastern bluebirds, hermit thrush, northern mockingbirds, gray catbirds and some other species that often associate with these flocks.

How many holly berries will kill you?

A child can eat 1-2 holly berries (Ilex sp.) without harm, but around 20 berries can cause death, so eating holly berries is a serious concern for children and pets. Though the berries are the part that is most commonly eaten, the bark, leaves, and seeds are toxic.

What makes Holly berries dangerous?

Holly exposure accounts for the 3^rd highest rate of genus-specific human plant exposure calls in 2010, with 877. The berries containing the toxin saponin are poisonous; the leaves are not. The toxic component of the berries is saponin.

What happens if you eat a poisonous berry?

Eating over 10 berries may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and severe diarrhea. The leaves and roots of the plant have been used in herbal preparations to induce vomiting.