Ilex opaca 'Jersey Knight'

Jersey Knight American Holly

Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Knight’ is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense pyramidal form, and excellent cold hardiness. This American holly has classic spiny leaves and strong branching, providing year-round evergreen structure. It is a male selection, so it does not produce berries but is widely used as a pollinator for female American hollies.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 8–10 ft · Height: 15–20 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Dense, pyramidal

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for screening, specimen planting, native evergreen borders, and as a pollinator for female American hollies. Its strong upright form makes it useful in large landscapes.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought during establishment. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. Place near female American hollies for reliable berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

15-20'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation, Foundation Plant, Hedge, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No