South American holly relative reaching 8–10 m, with leathery dark green leaves that are dried and brewed as the national beverage of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H2 | 1 °C to 5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–6 | 0 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to the Atlantic Forest of subtropical South America — Paraná Pine forests of southern Brazil, northeast Argentina, Paraguay
- Edible dried leaves — the principal beverage of the Río de la Plata region, drunk through a metal straw (bombilla) from a hollowed gourd (mate)
- Distinct from European holly (Ilex aquifolium) and winterberry holly — yerba mate is a tropical/subtropical species without the iconic prickly leaves
- Frost-tender — needs warm humid subtropical conditions
- Not reliably hardy outdoors in Canada — Canadian zone values shown represent the system maximum and do not imply garden cultivation north of the warmest coastal pockets.
Pet caution: Yerba mate is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
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