Most people are surprised to learn that North America has its very own native source of caffeine, and it isn’t coffee, black tea, or matcha. It’s yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), a humble evergreen shrub found along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeast.
For thousands of years, Indigenous communities brewed yaupon leaves into a stimulating tea rich in antioxidants and gentle caffeine. Today, yaupon is enjoying a well-deserved revival — especially among gardeners, herbalists, and those curious about native edible plants.
And the best part? It grows beautifully in Central Florida landscapes.
What Makes Yaupon Special
Yaupon holly checks several boxes for Florida gardeners:
Native + drought-tolerant
Salt-tolerant (great for coastal gardens)
Evergreen foliage for year-round structure
Small red berries that feed winter birds
Edible leaves for tea
The flavor is surprisingly smooth — less tannic than black tea — with no bitterness when brewed properly.
Caffeine content is similar to green tea, making it a perfect morning or afternoon cup.
Growing Yaupon in Central Florida
Yaupon is one of the easiest native shrubs to establish here. Give it:
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Sandy or well-drained (average is fine)
Water: Low once established
Hardiness: Zones 7–10
It can be pruned into a small tree or kept bushy for hedging. ‘Schillings Dwarf’ and ‘Nana’ varieties stay compact, while ‘Weeping Yaupon’ creates beautiful graceful forms.
Harvesting & Processing the Leaves
Harvest only the leaves — not the berries — for tea.
To make your own yaupon tea:
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Harvest: Clip young to mid-aged leaves
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Wash & dry: Pat dry thoroughly
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Bake or pan-roast: To bring out flavor and reduce greenness
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Brew: Just like loose-leaf tea
Both lightly roasted and medium roasted preparations are traditional and delicious.
A Citrus Twist for Summer
Once brewed, yaupon makes an excellent iced tea — smooth, refreshing, and lightly stimulating without the jitters of coffee.
Where to Find Yaupon
You can source yaupon holly from:
Native plant nurseries
Local garden centers (often seasonal)
Florida native plant sales
Online native plant suppliers
If you already have yaupon in the landscape, you may have tea waiting for you without realizing it.
A Florida Native Worth Rediscovering
In a world dominated by imported teas and coffees, yaupon holly feels like a small act of regional pride. It tastes good, grows beautifully in our climate, supports wildlife, and carries a long cultural history here in the South — all good reasons to give it a place in your yard (and in your cup).
Have You Tried Yaupon?
I’d love to hear how you prepare it — roasted, green, cold brew, sweetened, unsweetened — or if you grow yaupon in your own landscape.
Happy gardening and happy sipping!
~ Larissa
Stepping Stone Garden Coach