A scenic landscape photograph featuring a large, sprawling Yaupon tree rising above a vibrant meadow of wildflowers, bordered by a rustic barbed-wire fence under a bright, cloudy sky.

Native to North America

A native tree with a thousand-year story.

Yaupon Holly is a native evergreen shrub or small tree of the Southeastern United States. Depending on its growing conditions, it can range from a low, dense shrub just a few feet tall to a tree reaching 20–30 feet in height—perhaps explaining why its name comes from the Catawba word "yup," meaning tree. It grows naturally along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, from Virginia to Texas and parts of Oklahoma, thriving in coastal forests, pine woodlands, maritime forests, and sandy soils.

Yaupon is the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America and is closely related to South American yerba mate and Andean guayusa, all members of the caffeinated Ilex (holly) genus. Rich in antioxidants, caffeine, and theobromine, it provides a smooth, balanced source of natural energy.


Known as: The Beloved Tree · Asi · Cassina · The Black Drink

Health Benefits of Yaupon Tea

Discover the benefits of this native North American tea

Rich in Antioxidants

Contains powerful compounds like chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and cryptochlorogenic acid that combat oxidative stress and promote overall health.

Natural Energy Boost

Rutin, a bioflavonoid found in Yaupon, known to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels.

Supports Heart Health

Rutin, a bioflavonoid found in Yaupon, known to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Saponins in Yaupon tea help reduce inflammation, potentially aiding in joint health and recovery.

Promotes Digestive Health

Saponins also support a healthy gut by acting as natural prebiotics.

Immune System Support

Antioxidants and other bioactive compounds help strengthen the body's defense against illness.

Mood Enhancement

The combination of caffeine and theobromine can uplift mood, promote mental clarity and increase focus without the jitters or crash found with coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

Smooth, lasting energy.

Five alkaloids combine for clean focus and stamina without the crash:

  • Caffeine — clean stimulation
  • Theobromine — smooths it out
  • Theophylline — boosts circulation
  • Theanine — time-releases the energy
  • Theacrine — adds endurance

Powerful plant compounds.

Polyphenols, flavonols, and chlorogenic acid deliver antioxidant support linked to better digestion, weight management, and heart, brain, and metabolic health.

Backed by emerging research.

Studies across the Ilex family point to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective benefits.

Bobbie Harris, co-founder of Catawba Yaupon, harvesting fresh yaupon holly leaves

Sustainability: A Native Tradition

Yaupon is a shining example of sustainability and eco-consciousness. This resilient native plant thrives naturally on rain and sunshine, adapting to a variety of soil types without the need for irrigation or chemical fertilizers. With minimal environmental impact, Yaupon is sustainably harvested through careful pruning, ensuring healthy growth and preserving wild populations. As demand for eco-friendly products grows, Yaupon stands out as an excellent alternative to water-intensive crops like coffee, which consumes 35 gallons of water before it even reaches your cup. By choosing Yaupon, you not only support sustainable farming but also honor Native American values by respecting and protecting the earth.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before using herbal teas, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, and to determine appropriate caffeine intake.

Our Journey Through Time

Indigenous foundations (~1050–1250 CE)

Residue analysis at Cahokia confirms yaupon in pre-Columbian trade networks reaching deep into the continental interior. Central to ceremonial and diplomatic life of the Timucua, Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and others — shared in council, offered to visitors, brewed dark as the "Black Drink."

American settlers & early trade (1600s–1800s)

Exported to Europe as "Carolina Tea," "Appalachina," and "Cassina." Confederate civilians and soldiers brewed it during the Civil War when Union blockades cut off imported Asian tea.

The forgotten tea (mid-1800s–1900s)

William Aiton's 1789 misnomer Ilex vomitoria damaged its reputation. The plant contains no known emetic compounds — it is no more emetic than coffee or green tea. Displacement of Indigenous tribes and banning of their rituals caused yaupon to fade from use.

The yaupon revival (now)

A growing network of producers, foragers, historians, and Indigenous-owned businesses is reestablishing yaupon commercially. Catawba Yaupon — whose name references the Catawba-language etymology of "yaupon" — is among them.
~1050 CE
First documented use at Cahokia Mounds, 500+ miles from native range
40–60 mg
Caffeine per 8 oz cup — roughly ⅓ of coffee, with theobromine for smooth lift
#1 Trend
Named Whole Foods' top food trend of 2023 — the native tea revival

Our Yaupon Tea Collection

Find Your Favorite

A kraft paper pouch mockup of Catawba Yaupon green loose leaf tea isolated on a transparent checkerboard background.

GREEN YAUPON TEA

Available in Loose Leaf or Sachets
A kraft paper pouch mockup of Catawba Yaupon Espresso loose leaf tea isolated on a transparent checkerboard background

ROASTED YAUPON TEA

Available in Loose Leaf or Sachets
A kraft paper pouch mockup of Catawba Yaupon Black loose leaf tea isolated on a transparent checkerboard background.

BLACK YAUPON TEA

Available in Loose Leaf or Sachets
A cylindrical green metal tea tin mockup for Catawba Yaupon Matcha Style tea isolated on a transparent checkerboard background.

MATCHA-STYLE YAUPON

A kraft paper pouch mockup of Catawba Yaupon espresso loose leaf tea isolated on a transparent checkerboard background

ESPRESSO STYLE YAUPON

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Frequently asked questions

What is yaupon tea and where does it come from?

Brewed from leaves of a holly shrub native to the American Southeast — from coastal Virginia through Florida and into Texas. Indigenous peoples of the Southeast have documented use for at least 1,000 years. Briefly traded in 18th-century Europe as "Carolina tea."

Does yaupon tea have caffeine?

Yes — yaupon contains both caffeine and theobromine. A typical cup has roughly one-third the caffeine of coffee, with alkaloid content varying naturally leaf-to-leaf as with any wild-harvested plant.

What does yaupon tea taste like?

Mild, slightly grassy, with earthy or roasted notes depending on processing. Very low in tannin — it does not turn bitter with extended steeping, unlike most Asian teas.

How is yaupon different from green tea or yerba mate?

Yaupon is native to North America; green tea to Asia; yerba mate to South America. Yaupon is botanically closer to yerba mate (both areIlexspecies). Unlike either, yaupon produces almost no bitterness from over-steeping.