There is only one caffeine-producing plant that is native to North America — Yaupon Holly. Related to South America's Yerba Maté, Yaupon's leaves contain .09% caffeine. The plant was traditionally brewed by indigenous people in Texas, but grows wild in mostly coastal areas as far west as Texas, as far east as Florida and as far north as Virginia.
You might grow the Yaupon Holly just for its caffeinated leaves, but this dense, shrubby bush could also make a great landscape plant.
• Average mature height: up to 10-30 feet• Fertilizer: Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium in a 3/1/6 ratio• Light: Full to partial sun• Soil: Grows natively in sandy soil. Drought resistant. Water 2-3 times weekly.• Zones: 7a-9b
