Identifying Characteristics
| Size/Form: | 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. They are thick, leathery and dark green on top and paler underneath. Leaf bases and tips are both usually rounded. Margins are scalloped to serrate. |
| Fruit: | The fruit is a shiny, round, red berry and may persist throughout the winter months. The fruits are abundant and are borne in small clusters. |
| Bark: | The bark on young plants is smooth, and light gray while older plants have thin, slightly scaly, brown bark. |
| Habitat: | Yaupon holly grows in moist soils in forest understory. It may also be found in coastal and inland scrubs, other coastal areas, and river swamps. |