Yaupon tea is the only caffeinated tea native to North America. Long before imported teas and coffee became daily staples, yaupon holly leaves were brewed for steady energy, focus, and ritual across the Southeast. Unlike coffee, yaupon tea provides a smooth caffeine experience without jitters, supported by naturally occurring antioxidants and theobromine. Native Yaupon Tea restores this forgotten tea through responsibly harvested, traditionally roasted yaupon, crafted for modern daily use while honoring its deep cultural and ecological roots.
Why Choose Yaupon Tea
Yaupon tea delivers clean, balanced energy without the crash associated with coffee or energy drinks. Its unique caffeine profile creates alertness without overstimulation, making it ideal for daily rituals, workdays, and mindful moments.
- Naturally caffeinated with smooth energy
- Rich in antioxidants
- Lower acidity than coffee
- No added sugars or stimulants
- Grown and harvested in the United States
- Learn more about yaupon tea: history, benefits, and how to brew.
Our Yaupon Tea Collection
Rooted in Place and History
Yaupon holly has been part of Southeastern Indigenous foodways for centuries. Its leaves were traditionally harvested, dried, and brewed for ceremonial purposes, community gatherings, and vitality. Native Yaupon Tea exists to bring this knowledge forward responsibly, honoring land stewardship, sustainable harvesting, and regional ecosystems.
How to Brew Yaupon Tea
Steep one tea bag in hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. Brew longer for stronger caffeine. Enjoy hot or iced. Re-steep multiple times if desired.
Bring Yaupon Tea Into Your Daily Ritual
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Identifying Yaupon Holly
Native Yaupon Tea
Yaupon Holly Leaves
Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) leaves are distinctive and can be identified by several key features.
- They are small, oval-shaped, and generally measure between 1 to 2 inches in length.
- The edges of the leaves are finely serrated, with a slight curve that gives them a subtle wavy appearance.
- The leaves are evergreen, meaning they retain their green color throughout the year, which can be a helpful identification feature during winter months when other plants may lose their foliage.
- The upper surface of the leaves is dark green and glossy, while the underside is lighter in color and matte. When inspecting the leaves closely, you might also notice small, inconspicuous veins running through them, adding to their distinctive texture.
Native Yaupon Tea
Yaupon Holly Berries
Yaupon berries are a distinguishing characteristic of this plant, making identification easier, especially in the fall and winter months when the berries are most prominent.
- The berries are small, typically about 1/4 inch in diameter, and appear in clusters along the branches.
- They are a bright red color when mature, which makes them stand out against the green foliage.
- These berries are smooth and round, resembling miniature cherries. It's important to note that only female yaupon plants produce berries, so if you come across a yaupon without berries, it could be a male plant.
- The berries persist into the winter, providing a crucial food source for various bird species and adding a splash of color to the landscape.