30+ Yaupon Holly Seeds (Ilex vomitoria) USA Native Caffiene Tea Shrub herb.
Fresh. Organic, Harvested 05/2024
Like many other hollies, yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is an evergreen shrub or tree that is loved for the colorful berries it produces on the female plants. Yaupon is dioeciouswhich means that male and female flowers are born on separate plants; male yaupon hollies do not produce berries.
Although it is not widely known, yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) has been used for centuries to brew tea similar to black tea. With a species name that includes the word vomitoria, we could understand if you are hesitant to try this tea! Early colonists observed Native Americans drinking the tea then vomiting as part of a purification ritual and therefore added vomitoria to the name. But yaupon is not emetic, and the name is not actually deserved. More likely, it arose from confusion. Either the indigenous people were actually drinking something else for the ritual, or there was something else in the tea concoction that caused this dramatic effect and confused the colonists.
Ilex vomitoria, commonly known as yaupon or yaupon holly, is a species of holly that is native to southeastern North America. The word yaupon was derived from the Catawban yą́pą, from yą- tree + pą leaf. Another common name, cassina, was borrowed from Timucua (despite this, it usually refers to Ilex cassine). The Latin name comes from an incorrect belief by Europeans that the plant caused vomiting in certain ceremonies.
The plant was traditionally used by Native Americans to make an infusion containing caffeine. It is only one of two known plants endemic to North America that produce caffeine. The other (containing 80% less) is Ilex cassine, commonly known as dahoon holly. Yaupon is also widely used for landscaping in its native range.
Ilex vomitoria by colonists for tea making and for medicinal uses in the Carolinas is documented by the early eighteenth century.
Ilex vomitoria was not native to the traditional area controlled by the Cherokee before removal, but it was brought in to the area through trade and then transplanted.
The botanical name for the weeping yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria, is indicative of the berries’ ability to induce vomiting, as was practiced by coastal Indian tribes preparing for battle.
HOW TO MAKE YAUPON TEA
Cut an entire branch then strip off the new green leaf growth along with the twig. Wash and dry the leaves, then roast the leaves at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until brown. The longer you roast it the darker and smokier the brew will be. Once cooled and dried, the leaves should be crumbled to resemble loose tea. Again the longer you brew your tea the more caffeine it will have and the darker the brew.
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*PLANT USES DISCLAIMER* Any information in this listing is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information provided here for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Please consult with your doctor or professional herbalist prior any use of this herb/plant.
*SEEDS DISCLAIMER* Most specialty seeds we offer are NOT fast to germinate. Many take several weeks, months, and some even up towards a year depending on dormancy, region, season etc. It is important that the buyer understands that seeds are perishable products and seed germination can be adversely affected by such factors as mold/fungus, bugs, temperature, moisture content, light intensity, dormancy, care, contamination of planting media among many other reasons.
Germination recommendations are sent with each order and the buyer is free to research and use their own methods. Floating seeds do not always indicate that the seed is not viable. Many times, it is a misconception because the seed does not have the density to sink in water. Accordingly, The Plant Attraction does not guarantee seeds to perform properly regardless of conditions or buyer's methods or soil/water/lighting.