The FLOWERS are small and whitish; male and female flowers are usually borne on separate trees. The [FRUIT], ripening late in the fall on the trees bearing female flowers, is dull red or sometimes yellow, round or somewhat oval-shaped berry-like [drupe] about ¼ inch in diameter and with 4 to 6 grooved, ribbed [nutlets].
The WOOD is light, tough, not strong, white when cut, turning brown when aged. Valued and much used for cabinet making, interior finish, and turnery. Many of the largest and best holly trees have been cut and marketed.
Holly is a highly desirable Christmas decoration and a desirable ornamental tree for yards. Wild holly is becoming scarce. Excessive cuttings should be avoided.
YAUPON
Ilex vomitoria Ait.
This close relative of the American holly is found in East Texas to Matagorda Bay, Rio Blanco and the Guadalupe River, and north to southern Arkansas. On the rich bottomlands of eastern Texas, yaupon is a small tree, 20 to 25 feet high with a trunk rarely over 6 inches in diameter; elsewhere it is a shrub.
The LEAVES are 1 to 2 inches long, ¼ to 1 inch wide, thick, glossy green above, paler below, and [persistent] for 2 or 3 years.
YAUPON (Two-thirds natural size)
The FLOWERS, male and female, are borne on separate plants. The [FRUIT], a scarlet berry-like [drupe], is produced in great abundance by the female plant.
The WOOD is of little value except for fuel.