Jersey Princess American Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Princess‘) is one of the most popular cultivars of American Holly. American Holly is a particularly hardy plant, able to withstand extremely cold temperatures and many different soil conditions. Before the arrival of European colonists to North America, Native Americans used American Holly leaves for tea to treat coughs and used the berries to make buttons. The Europeans brought with them their various Christmas traditions associated with holly berries found on their continent and easily found American Holly to be an ample replacement. The Jersey Princess cultivar was created by Dr. Elwin Orton of Rutgers University, has glossy dark green leaves, and produces hallmark bright red, ornamental holly berries. Jersey Princess American Holly retains its berries from late spring deep into winter.
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Photos taken at Old Town June 2022.