black-drink tree

Also known as: Carolina tea plant; cassina; emetic holly; South Sea tea plant; yaupon; dahoon

Large evergreen shrub or small tree about 6m tall, with dense branches. Dark glossy green and gently serrated leaves to 4.5cm long, are often purple tinged when young. Small white flowers in spring are followed in autumn by bright red berries, in some forms they are yellow, produced on female plants if pollinated by a male plant

Scientific classification

Species: black-drink tree (Ilex vomitoria)
Genus: Ilex
Family: Aquifoliaceae

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Trees · Shrubs
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

black-drink tree pictures

Distribution of black-drink tree

Distribution map

Southeastern USA Mexico

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of black-drink tree

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black-drink tree care guide

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering. Trim hedges in early spring.