Yerba mate Ilex paraguariensis
Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family, native to Subtropical Atlantic Forest of Argentina, Paraguay and southern Brazil. It grows 3–15 m (10–49 ft) tall and 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Yerba mate in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yerba mate at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 3–15 m (10–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: dried leaves (mate infusion) |
| Native to | Subtropical Atlantic Forest of Argentina, Paraguay and southern Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Yerba mate toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves
Caffeine-rich; berries of hollies upset stomachs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yerba mate
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Yerba mate
- How far apart should I plant Yerba mate?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft).
- Does Yerba mate need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yerba mate need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yerba mate?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Yerba mate flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yerba mate poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Caffeine-rich; berries of hollies upset stomachs.
- What grows well with Yerba mate?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yerba mate. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- A holly kept pruned to bush height in plantations; harvested every 18 months or so. Male and female plants.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- English holly Ilex aquifolium
- Winterberry holly Ilex verticillata
- Japanese holly (inutsuge) Ilex crenata
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius