Long before yaupon found its way into mugs and teapots, it held deep meaning in Indigenous communities across the Southeast. Tribes including the Timucua, Caddo, Cherokee, and others gathered yaupon leaves for ceremony, community, and daily life. For generations, yaupon was prepared as a drink that symbolized renewal, connection, and shared strength.
A Legacy of Stewardship
Indigenous practices around yaupon were rooted in respect: take only what’s needed, give thanks, and care for the land. That wisdom shapes our work at CatSpring Yaupon — and for our founder, Abianne, it’s personal. Her Indigenous heritage deepens our commitment to honoring yaupon’s story and those who first cared for it.
Today, when we harvest yaupon, we do so with the same principles of balance and renewal.
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Taking only what the land offers, so yaupon continues to thrive.
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Working with ranchers and landowners to restore ecosystems.
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Ensuring that every harvest contributes to biodiversity and soil health.
Carrying Yaupon Forward
As yaupon gains recognition once again, it’s important to acknowledge its roots. This native tea is not a “new discovery” — it’s a plant with a legacy kept alive by Indigenous communities who knew its worth long before it reached national headlines.
By choosing yaupon today, we can:
- Celebrate Indigenous knowledge and resilience.
- Support land stewardship that restores rather than depletes.
- Brew a cup that connects us to centuries of tradition.
A Cup of Remembrance and Gratitude
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we raise our cups in gratitude to the first stewards of yaupon. Their care, knowledge, and resilience are woven into every leaf we harvest today.
When you brew yaupon, you’re not only tasting a native plant — you’re participating in a living story of resilience, restoration, and respect. Join us in carrying this legacy forward.
