Ilex vomitoria f. pendula, commonly known as Weeping Yaupon Holly, is a distinctive evergreen shrub or small tree celebrated for its unique weeping form and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
 
General Characteristics:
Size: Typically grows between 15 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide, with some specimens reaching up to 25 feet in height. 
Growth Habit: Features an irregular, weeping form with upright, crooked trunks and slender, pendulous branches adorned with small, oval, grey-green leaves. 
Flowers and Fruit: Produces inconspicuous male and female flowers on separate plants, followed by translucent red berries in fall and winter that attract birds. 
 
Cultural Requirements:
Light: Thrives in full sun to part shade; however, more sun exposure leads to a thicker canopy and increased fruit production.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from well-drained to wet, and tolerates both acidic and alkaline conditions. 
Moisture: Drought-tolerant once established; suitable for various moisture levels, from dry to wet soils. 
Salt Tolerance: Highly tolerant of sea salt, making it suitable for coastal landscapes.
 
Landscape Uses:
Specimen Plant: Its unique form makes it an excellent focal point in gardens.
Screening: Planted 8 to 10 feet apart, it serves as an effective privacy screen. 
Pruning: Responds well to pruning, allowing for the creation of various shapes and forms, such as umbrella or columnar shapes.
 
Wildlife Benefits:
Birds: Berries provide a food source for birds; stiff branches support bird nests. 
Pollinators: Flowers attract bees for several weeks during blooming. 
 
Additional Notes:
Maintenance: Requires less maintenance than the species due to reduced root sprouting; light pruning may be necessary to maintain shape. 
Hardiness: A sturdy native plant that is adaptable to various cultural conditions, including drought and sea salt tolerance. 
Propagation: Typically propagated by cuttings.