Overview
Knightia is a columnar upright trees in the genus Knightia, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Knightia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include specimen tree for warmer regions.
About
Knightia is an extinct genus of clupeid bony fish that lived in the freshwater lakes and rivers of North America and Asia during the Eocene epoch. The genus was erected by David Starr Jordan in 1907, in honor of the late University of Wyoming professor Wilbur Clinton Knight, "an indefatigable student of the paleontology of the Rocky Mountains." It is the official state fossil of Wyoming, and the most commonly excavated fossil fish in the world.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Knightia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing or West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Knightia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen tree for warmer regions
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Knightia
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to thrips
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Knightia?
Knightia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Knightia need?
Knightia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Knightia hardy in the UK?
Knightia has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Knightia?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer.