Alamo Area Chapter | Native Plants

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Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly, Yaupon, or Cassina) is a species of holly native to southeastern North America, occurring in United States from Maryland south to Florida and west to Oklahome and Texas.^[2]

It is an evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 5-9 m tall, with smooth, light gray bark and slender, hairy shoots. The leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptical with a rounded apex and crenate or coarsely serrated margin, 1-4.5 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, glossy dark green above, slightly paler below. The flowers are 5–5.5 mm diameter, with a white four-lobed corolla. The fruit is a small round, shiny, and red (occasionally yellow) berry , which are dispersed by birds eating the fruit.

The fruit are an important food for many birds. Many mammals also eat the fruit. The foliage and twigs are browsed by deer.

Native Americans used the leaves and stems to brew a tea, commonly thought to be called asi or black-drink for male-only purification and unity rituals. The ceremony included vomiting, and Europeans incorrectly believed that it was Ilex vomitoria that caused it (hence the Latin name). The active ingredient is actually caffeine, and the vomiting was either learned or as a result of the great quantities in which they drank the beverage coupled with fasting.

POSSUMHAW, Photo by Susan Morgan

Possumhaw (ilex decidua)

A large shrub or small tree, the possumhaw is a common plant throughout Texas and several other states. Prefers land in floodplains and the margins of swamps or lakes, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. Plant is most noticed in winter without leaves and loaded with red berries. Often used as an ornamental in gardens.

BLUEBONNET, Photo by Susan Morgan

Bluebonnet (genus Lupinus)

The bluebonnt is the state flower of Texas. The shape of the petals resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women. It is an annual plant. Early October is the best time to plant. Seeds will germinate in the fall and continue to grow during the winter.

Deep blue blossoms can be seen from March through May in most areas of Texas. Lupinus texensis is the iconic Texas bluebonnet.

Antelopehorn Milkweed, Photo by Susan Morgan

Antelopehorn Milkweed Seedpod, Photo by Liz Robbins

Antelopehorn Milkweed is a favorite plant for Monarch butterflies to lay their eggs on. The caterpillars hatch and eat the leaves which contain a chemical that is toxic to many birds, rendering the larvae poisonous to many predators.