Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Lowake, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Transplants, Trees
Title: Transplanting native yaupon into yard in Lowake TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon), while a very sturdy native plant, is sometimes considered a "nuisance" plant on properties; however, it is a versatile plant that tolerates drought and poor drainage, This USDA Plant Profile does not show it growing in Concho County, northwest of Austin, but it obviously does, if you have it in your pasture.
From a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer:
"According to Jill Nokes in How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest:
"Most holly species are frequently and successfully transplanted from the wild or from field-grown nursery operations in the winter...."
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon), a member of the Family Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family), should readily transplant. The time to do this is now, mid-winter. It is very important, of course, to get as much of the root ball as possible when you dig up your trees. Here are some other tips in Transplanting Trees and Shrubs, from the About.com: Landscaping, and How to Transplant a Young Tree from wikiHow."
Note that this says they should be transplanted in mid-winter, especially in Texas. While this plant is often referred to as a "coastal" plant, or one able to live in swamps, we feel sure it could do well on the Edwards Plateau, where you are located. Just don't try to transplant it in the heat of the summer.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
Source for dotted blue-eyed grass from Saluda SC
February 23, 2013 - I lived in Texas for several years and now live on acreage in South Carolina. I have heard that bluebonnets don't grow well in South Carolina. However, there is a place by the road near our house t...
view the full question and answer
Seeds from opuntia
May 11, 2009 - How do I get seeds from opuntias?
view the full question and answer
Seed propagation for Goldeneye Sunflower for Austin
October 30, 2010 - I have been unable to find Golden Eye seed, and am therefore thinking about harvesting seed from existing plants. My question is: At what stage of the development do I make the harvest of fully develo...
view the full question and answer
Volunteer wax myrtles in Tuscaloosa, AL
August 26, 2009 - I have Wax Myrtles growing in my front yard. I have noticed that some shrubs have sprouted in my back yard that have leaves that are exactly like my wax myrtles. Can Wax Myrtles sprout from seed or h...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of native American beautyberry in North Carolina
August 31, 2008 - I have found a beauty berry bush growing wild in the woods. It is huge! I broke off a couple of branches (1/4 " in diameter) and wonder if it will root if I just stick it in good moist soil. I alr...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |