yaupon

noun

yau·​pon ˈyü-ˌpän 

also ˈyō-, 

ˈyȯ-

: a holly (Ilex vomitoria) of the southeastern U.S. that has smooth elliptical leaves with emetic and purgative properties

Examples of yaupon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Only the native yaupon holly appears totally resistant to the disease. — Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2022

Scarlet’s Peak yaupon holly, while uncommon and sometimes hard to find, would be lovely there. — Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Oct. 2021

Declining yaupon holly plants have been very common and may be due in part to the extended rainy season. — Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 21 Nov. 2020

Scarlet’s Peak yaupon hollies are much better adapted to the entire state. — Neil Sperry, ExpressNews.com, 27 Aug. 2020

The best of the options include East Palatka, Savannah and the native yaupon holly. — Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 9 July 2019

Word History

Etymology

Catawba yą́pą, from yą- tree + pą leaf

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above