what is YAUPON?

We blend a lot of our teas with our only native caffeinated plant that is often called the “forgotten tea”. So just what is up with this amazing plant? Let's steep on the wild and wonderful plant called Yaupon!! Pronounced yō-pon, this plant is a holly bush indigenous to the Southeast, but it’s not your typical decorative plant. Yaupon happens to be North America's only known native caffeinated plant.


Most comparable with yerba mate or green teas, Yaupon has an earthy taste and caffeine levels comparable to green or black tea. This mellow flavor makes for easy sipping with a gentle pick-me-up. Yaupon grows wild with a natural range that extends from eastern Texas to Cape Hatteras, NC. Asheville Tea Company is proud to partner with Catsprings Yaupon to source our wild harvested Yaupon.

While Yaupon tea is a natural source of caffeine, this lively leaf also offers a wealth of wellbeing. Yaupon contains theobromine (the good stuff in dark chocolate), known to increase energy and promote overall good mood vibes!

Yaupon is also rich in the antioxidants known as polyphenols which may help reduce inflammation, improve brain health, and protect against conditions like diabetes. 

Shop Yaupon Teas

Most comparable with yerba mate or green teas, Yaupon has an earthy taste and caffeine levels comparable to green or black tea. This mellow flavor makes for easy sipping with a gentle pick-me-up.