ENH1094

Palms for North Florida1

Edwin R. Duke and Gary W. Knox2

1. This document is ENH1094, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2008. Revised February 2011. Reviewed April 2017. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Edwin R. Duke, Associate Professor, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design and Management, Florida A&M University, College of Engineering Sciences, Tallahassee, FL 32307; and Gary W. Knox, Extension specialist and professor of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL 32351.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.

Palm (päm) n. Any of various chiefly tropical evergreen trees, shrubs or woody vines of the family Palmae (Areca-ceae), having unbranched trunks with a crown of pinnate or palmate leaves having conspicuous parallel venation. [ME<OE<OFr. Palme, both < Latin palma, palm of the hand.] American Heritage College Dictionary, 3rd ed.

Palms are a prominent part of the Florida landscape. While many of the palms used in the southern parts of the state are not cold hardy, there is still a good selection of palm species that will grow in more northern regions (Figure 1).

Predicting Cold Hardiness in PalmsPalms suitable for northern Florida must be able to withstand at least intermittent periods of below-freezing weather. It is difficult to make generalizations about the cold hardiness of palms. Different growers report different experiences with the same species of palm after a cold spell. The reasons for this are numerous—the nature of the cold spell itself, microclimate differences surrounding the palm, and the palms themselves.

A cold spell can come on slowly or quickly. It is generally thought that a gradual cooling allows plants to acclimate or “harden off.” The length of time and depth of hard freeze, wind speed, and relative humidity can also influence how destructive a cold spell might be.

Microclimates surrounding a particular plant can influence whether or not a palm will survive a particular cold spell. A plant sheltered by a building or other plants is more likely to survive than one that is exposed. The elevation of a location can also be a factor in a plant’s survival-cold air tends to accumulate in low-lying areas.

Finally, how successfully a palm can withstand cold is determined by the palm itself. Its age, height, hereditary dif-ferences selected out over time by environmental influences in its native habitat, and the overall health of the palm all have an effect on a plant’s survival of many environmental conditions, including cold.

Figure 1. Chinese ram palm, Livistona chinensis is one of many cold hardy palms. Note spines on the leaf petiole.Credits: UF/IFAS

2Palms for North Florida

It would seem simple to predict a palm’s cold hardiness by looking at a few variables regarding the palm’s native habitat—is the palm native to the cooler northern or southern latitudes rather than nearer the equator? Is the palm native to higher altitudes?—however, some tropical species have been found to be somewhat hardy.

Perhaps the best indicator of the potential cold hardiness of a palm is its ability to withstand drought. Many of the more cold tolerant palms come from regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. Freezing stress for any plant is in many ways similar to drought stress, at both the whole-plant and the cellular level-freezing temperatures prevent or reduce the uptake and translocation of water. Tropical or subtropi-cal palms that are adapted to survive the stress of low water conditions (no matter what conditions—cold or drought—are causing it) will have a better chance of surviving cold temperatures. Palms that grow in semi-arid areas, savannas, exposed sandy coastal zones, and on exposed well-drained rocky outcrops are prime candidates for testing in colder climates.

Growing Conditions for PalmsIn many ways, the growing conditions of Florida are ideal for growing palms. Our hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters (relatively speaking) are ideal for the growth of most (but not all) species of palms. In addition, much of Florida is covered with sandy soils underlain by limestone, both of which are conducive to the growth of many palms. The heavier, clay soils found in limited regions of northwest Florida may be made more suitable for the growth of desert-adapted palms by the addition of sand or perlite to ‘lighten” the soil. In addition, planting the palm in a raised berm may improve the palm’s chance of survival.

Maintenance of PalmsPalms are not particularly high maintenance plants, but their care must not be neglected. In Florida, the season for rapid growth coincides with the arrival of high temperatures (80°F or more). It is during that time that maintenance is most important.

Mineral NutritionPalms suffer quickly and conspicuously from improper mineral nutrition. The problems may arise from either insufficient or improper fertilization.

Potassium (K) deficiency is perhaps the most widespread and serious nutritional problem of palms. Florida’s sandy soils have a poor ability to retain nutrients. This factor

combined with heavy rainfall make Florida’s soil low in potassium content.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency vary among palm species but typically begin with translucent yellow or orange “freckles” on the leaflets of the oldest leaves. As the symptoms progress, the freckles may be accompanied by necrotic (dead tissue) lesions. Further progression of the deficiency results in marginal necrosis of the leaflets. The leaflets or entire fronds may become withered or frizzled in appearance.

The first response of most gardeners to partial necrosis of leaves is to prune off the “offending” frond. Rather than helping, this actually worsens the problem by preventing the palm from translocating the remaining potassium to the plant’s growing point.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is also quite common, espe-cially on date palm (Phoenix species). Typical symptoms include a broad band of chlorotic (yellow) tissue along the margin of the older leaves. The center of the leaf remains green. As with potassium deficiency, leaves exhibiting magnesium deficiency should not be removed until they are dead in order to allow the remaining magnesium to be moved to the newer leaves.

Prevention is the key to both potassium and magnesium deficiency. Once symptoms appear, they cannot be reversed. Some “palm special” fertilizers are specially formulated to contain elevated (and balanced) levels of potassium and magnesium, as well as nitrogen, in a controlled-release form.

Iron (Fe) deficiency sometimes occurs in palms in the growing season following a cold winter or in palms growing in poorly aerated soils. Cold temperatures may induce nutrient deficiency by slowing or preventing nutrient uptake. Waterlogged soil effectively suffocates the roots, also preventing nutrient uptake. Iron deficiency appears first on the newest leaves and is characterized by yellowing between leaf veins.

Iron deficiency symptoms may be alleviated by foliar application of iron chelate. This is especially effective for symptoms caused by transient cold spells. However, long term correction of symptoms due to poor soil conditions is best achieved by changing soil conditions.

For more detailed information on palm nutrition, refer to UF/IFAS publications, Nutrient Deficiencies of Landscape

3Palms for North Florida

and Field-Grown Palms in Florida, and Fertilization of Field-growna and Landscape Palms in Floridab.

IrrigationMost palms tolerate some drought. However, it is a good idea to keep palms well-watered during the active growing period. Keep in mind that “well-watered” does not mean waterlogged. Damage of roots due to waterlogging may induce certain nutrient deficiencies and allow infection by pathogenic fungi or bacteria.

The cooler winter months coincide with periods of slower growth. During this time, most palms, but especially those from desert areas, do best with reduced irrigation.

Insects and DiseasesAs a group, palms are fairly resistant to pests and diseases. This does not mean, however, that they are pest-free. Certain insects and diseases have proven especially devas-tating for palms.

Palms are not immune to common pests such as caterpil-lars, aphids, scales, and spider mites. These pests may be controlled by conventional means.

A not-so-common problem for many palms is the palmetto weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus). This weevil is attracted to stressed palms, especially during or after transplanting. The adult female deposits her eggs near the crown of the plant, and the resulting larvae tunnel through the tender meristem tissue. Death of the meristem results in the death of the entire palm.

Prevention by reducing stress to the palm is the best method to control the palmetto weevil. The practice of removing the majority of the fronds and roots of a palm during transplanting is one method to reduce transplant stress. For more information, refer to Palmetto Weevil, ‘Rhynchophorus cruentatus’c. Several fungal diseases have proven especially damaging to certain palms. Ganoderma, Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Thielaviopsis are fungi that cause diseases that may result in the death of affected palms see UF/IFAS publications Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palmsd; Fusarium Wilt of Canary Island Date Palme; Thielaviopsis Trunk Rot of Palmf; and Bud Rots of Palmg. Additional information on diseases may be found in Leaf Spots and Leaf Blights of Palmh.

A number of conditions resembling pest damage may be caused by environmental factors. For more information,

refer to UF/IFAS publication Physiological Disorders of Landscape Palmsi.

PruningLike all plants, palms benefit from regular pruning. Ideally, pruning of palms should be limited to removing dead fronds. Practically, this is not always acceptable. When fronds with living tissue need to be pruned, remove only the lower fronds extending out less than 90 degrees from the trunk.

New growth should never be pruned. The natural growth habit of palms does not allow them to be maintained at a constant height.

Treating Cold Damaged PalmsEven with the best of care, palms growing in northern Florida are going to experience temperatures below those that they can tolerate without damage.

Effects of Cold TemperaturesCold weather affects palms in several ways. Growth of the apical bud is reduced, and growth of roots is slowed. This reduced activity often weakens the palm to the point that diseases may become active and kill the palm.

Severe cold damage caused by frost or below-freezing temperatures may destroy plant tissues. Due to the nature of the water-conducting tissue in palms, the destruction of stem tissue may severely reduce water conduction for years. As warmer weather returns, plant pathogens, whether primary or secondary, may attack weakened plants through damaged tissue.

After a FreezeAfter a palm experiences damaging temperatures, it is important to protect the growing point until active growth resumes.

Carefully inspect the damaged fronds before pruning. Leaves should not be removed if they still contain viable green tissue. The green portions of leaves are important for adequate production of sugars from photosynthesis. Allowing the leaves to die naturally allows the nutrients remaining in the leaf to be translocated to other areas where they are needed.

Immediately after pruning away dead tissue, spray the palm with a fungicide; copper-containing fungicides often are recommended. This will reduce the level of potentially

4Palms for North Florida

pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Repeat the fungicide spray as recommended by the fungicide label or about 10 days after the first treatment. Make sure that these sprays cover the damaged tissue and the bud thoroughly. If the fungicide contains copper, do not repeat the sprays more than twice so as to avoid possible copper toxicity. If the soil has frozen, a soil drench of a combination of a broad-spectrum and a water mold-specific fungicide may suppress root diseases.

Freeze damage to the palm’s vascular tissue in the trunk may limit the ability of the plant to supply water to the canopy. Unlike typical trees, palms do not have the ability to regenerate vascular tissue within the trunk. A sudden collapse of some (or all) of the leaves during the first periods of high temperatures in the spring or summer following a damaging winter freeze may indicate this type of trunk damage. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done at this point. Loss of the palm is likely inevitable.

Palm SelectionAn important factor to consider when selecting a palm for a particular area is the average minimum temperature that can be expected. The US Department of Agriculture has used historical climatic data to divide the country into climate zones. Each zone represents a 10°F range. Most of northern Florida can be placed in one of two USDA climate zones. Extreme northern parts of the state are placed in the lower half of USDA zone 8 (10°–19°F), meaning that the av-erage minimum temperature that may be expected is 15°F. Coastal regions of the northern Florida are typically in the upper half of zone 9 (20°–29°F), meaning that the average minimum temperature that may be expected is 20°F. Of course these are only average lows. Single digit lows have been recorded several times in the last 100 years.

The table in this publication includes palms exhibiting some degree of cold hardiness. In addition to cold hardiness, intended use and characteristics of the site should be used as selection criteria. Careful study of the list of palms and their characteristics will allow selection of the right palm for the landscape situation.

AvailabilityPalms are increasingly appreciated by consumers. Cold hardy palms are in great demand and the nursery industry is responding with additional production. Currently, palms that are most widely available are in the genera Butia (pindo palm), Chamaedorea (parlor palm), Livistona (fan palm), Phoenix (date palm), Rhapidophyllum (needle palm), Rhapis (lady palm), Sabal (palmetto), Serenoa (saw palmetto), Syagrus (queen palm), Trachycarpus (windmill

palm), and Washingtonia (washington palm; Figure 2). Refer to Table 1 for specific species and their cold hardiness information. Other cold hardy palms may be found at better garden centers and specialty nurseries.

Endnotesa Nutrient Deficiencies of Landscape and Field-Grown Palms in Florida, ILN# ENH1018 / DLN# EP273 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP273)

b Fertilization of Field-grown and Landscape Palms in Florida, ILN# ENH1009 / DLN# EP261 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP261)

c Palmetto Weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus, ILN# EENY013 / DLN# IN139 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN139)

d Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palms, ILN# PP54 / DLN# PP100 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP100)

e Fusarium Wilt of Canary Island Date Palm, ILN# PP215 / DLN# PP139 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP139)

f Thielaviopsis Trunk Rot of Palm, ILN# PP219 / DLN# PP143 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP143)

g Bud Rots of Palm, ILN# PP220 / DLN# PP144 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP144)

Figure 2. Washingtonia filifera leaves—note filaments hanging from leaf margins.Credits: UF/IFAS

5Palms for North Florida

h Leaf Spots and Leaf Blights of Palm, ILN# PP218 / DLN# PP142 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP142)

i Physiological Disorders of Landscape Palms, ILN# ENH1011 / DLN# EP263 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP263)

ReferencesFox, A.M., D.R. Gordon, J.A. Dusky, L. Tyson, and R.K. Stocker. 2005. IFAS Assessment of the Status of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/assessment/ (Accessed 28 August 2007).

Gilman, E.F. 2006. Palms in the Landscape. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/palms.shtml (April 2017)

McClendon, T., W. Roberds and J. LeVert. 2007. Hardy Palms for the Southeast. Southeastern Palm Society, Inc., Apison, TN. 140 pp.

Southeastern Palm Society. 2007. Hardy Palms: A Quick Reference. http://www.sepalms.org/index.php?/page/home.html/_/cold-hardy-palms (Accessed 24 January 2012)

UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale REC faculty and staff. 2007. Palm Production & Maintenance. http://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/palmprod/ (April 2017)

6

Tabl

e 1.

Pal

ms

for n

orth

ern

Flor

ida

and

thei

r ass

ocia

ted

char

acte

ristic

s3 .

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

N

ame

Ori

gin

Nat

ive

Hab

itat

Har

dine

ss

Zone

Typi

cal

Hei

ght

Gro

wth

Ra

teH

abit

Ligh

tSa

lt

Tole

ranc

eLe

af T

ype

Folia

ge

Colo

rCo

mm

ents

Acoe

lorr

haph

e w

right

iiPa

urot

is

palm

, Ev

ergl

ades

pa

lm

Sout

hern

Fl

orid

a,

Carib

bean

re

gion

Moi

st,

swam

p-lik

e re

gion

s

9a –

11

23°F

20'

Slow

to

mod

erat

eCl

uste

ring

Part

ial

shad

e to

full

sun

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eG

reen

, si

lver

y-gr

een

belo

w

Nat

ive

to th

e Fl

orid

a Ev

ergl

ades

. Ada

ptab

le

to d

rier s

oils

. Rep

orte

d to

tole

rate

19°

F.

Aren

ga e

ngle

riD

war

f su

gar p

alm

Taiw

an,

Ryuk

yu

Isla

nds

Ope

n fo

rest

s9a

– 1

1 23

°F6

– 8'

Slow

to

mod

erat

eCl

uste

ring

Part

ial

shad

e to

full

sun

Low

Pinn

ate

Dar

k gr

een

abov

e,

silv

ery

belo

w

Fibe

r-co

vere

d st

ems.

Frui

t con

tain

irrit

atin

g ca

lciu

m o

xyla

te

crys

tals

.

Brah

ea a

rmat

aBl

ue h

espe

r pa

lmM

exic

o,

sout

hern

Ca

lifor

nia

Arid

, des

ert

regi

ons

8a –

10

14°F

30 –

40'

; 4

– 8

in

FL

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

eCo

sta-

palm

ate

Blue

-gr

een,

w

axy

Doe

s not

like

hig

h hu

mid

ity. R

equi

res

wel

l-dra

ined

soil.

Butia

cap

itata

Pind

o pa

lm,

jelly

pal

mBr

azil,

Ar

gent

ina,

U

rugu

ay

Coas

tal

gras

slan

d pl

ains

8 –

10 1

4°F

15'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

to

part

ial

shad

e

Mod

erat

ePi

nnat

eBl

ue-

gree

nH

ardi

est o

f the

feat

her-

leav

ed p

alm

s. W

idel

y cu

ltiva

ted.

Exh

ibits

va

riabi

lity

from

pla

nt

to p

lant

. Var

. str

ictio

r ha

s fro

nds w

ith le

ss

curv

e. H

ybrid

izes

with

m

embe

rs o

f the

gen

us

Syag

rus.

Butia

er

iosp

atha

Woo

ly je

lly

palm

Sout

hern

Br

azil

Hill

side

s to

4000

'8

– 10

15°

F15

– 2

0'Sl

owSo

litar

yFu

ll su

n to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Mod

erat

ePi

nnat

eBl

ue-

gree

n to

bl

ue-g

ray

Leaf

bas

es c

over

ed

with

bro

wn

hair.

Fa

ster

gro

win

g th

an B

. ca

pita

ta.

Butia

yat

ayYa

tay

palm

Sout

h Am

eric

aD

ry

sava

nnas

8 –

10

15°F

35'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

to

part

ial

shad

e

Mod

erat

ePi

nnat

eG

ray-

gree

nSi

mila

r to

B. c

apita

ta,

but h

avin

g m

ore

wid

ely

spre

adin

g le

aves

.

Butia

X Ju

baea

hy

brid

No

com

mon

na

me

Occ

urs o

nly

in c

ultiv

atio

nN

ot

appl

icab

le8a

– 1

0 13

°F40

' +M

oder

ate

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

ePi

nnat

eBl

uish

- gr

een

Fast

er g

row

ing

and

mor

e co

ld h

ardy

than

ei

ther

par

ent.

Mas

sive

tr

unk

with

reta

ined

leaf

ba

ses.

Butia

X S

yagr

us

hybr

idX

Butia

grus

na

bonn

andi

i

Mul

e pa

lmO

ccas

iona

lly

prod

uced

in

the

wild

in

Sou

th

Amer

ica

Dry

sa

vann

as8b

– 1

0 19

°F40

' +M

oder

ate

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Unk

now

n –

likel

y m

oder

ate

Pinn

ate

Blui

sh-

gree

nRe

sem

bles

But

ia m

ore

than

Sya

grus

– b

ut

with

fine

r, le

ss st

iff

folia

ge. F

aste

r gro

win

g th

an B

utia

.

Palms for North Florida

7

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

N

ame

Ori

gin

Nat

ive

Hab

itat

Har

dine

ss

Zone

Typi

cal

Hei

ght

Gro

wth

Ra

teH

abit

Ligh

tSa

lt

Tole

ranc

eLe

af T

ype

Folia

ge

Colo

rCo

mm

ents

Cham

aedo

rea

eleg

ans

Parlo

r pal

mM

exic

o an

d Ce

ntra

l Am

eric

a

Rain

fore

st

unde

rsto

ry9a

– 1

1 24

°F3

– 5'

Slow

Solit

ary

Shad

e to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Low

Pinn

ate

Gre

enPo

pula

r hou

sepl

ant

sinc

e Vi

ctor

ian

times

. Se

para

te m

ale

and

fem

ale

plan

ts. M

ost

effec

tive

whe

n se

vera

l pl

ante

d to

geth

er.

Cham

aedo

rea

mic

rosp

adix

Har

dy

bam

boo

palm

Mex

ico

Ope

n fo

rest

s8b

– 1

1 18

°F8’

Mod

erat

eCl

uste

ring

Shad

e to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Low

Pinn

ate

Dul

l gre

enRe

sem

bles

C. s

eifr

izii

and

C. e

rum

pens

, po

pula

r int

erio

r pal

ms.

Cham

aedo

rea

radi

calis

Radi

calis

pa

lmM

exic

oH

igh

elev

atio

n ra

info

rest

s

8b –

11

19°F

5'Sl

ow to

m

oder

ate

Solit

ary

Shad

e to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Low

Pinn

ate

Dar

k gr

een

Oft

en tr

unkl

ess,

but

trun

ked

form

s exi

st.

Sepa

rate

mal

e an

d fe

mal

e pl

ants

.

Cham

aero

ps

hum

ilis

Euro

pean

fa

n pa

lmM

edite

rran

-ea

n Re

gion

Arid

coa

stal

zo

nes t

o 30

00' i

n el

evat

ion

8 –

9 16

°F10

'Sl

owCl

uste

ring

Full

sun

to

part

ial

shad

e

Mod

erat

e - m

ay b

e va

riabl

e

Palm

ate

Gre

en,

blue

-gr

een

and

silv

ery

form

s

Gre

at v

aria

bilit

y fro

m

one

plan

t to

anot

her.

Var.

cerif

era

is b

lue-

gree

n in

col

or a

nd is

no

t as c

old

hard

y as

th

e gr

een

form

.

Cory

pha

umbr

acul

ifera

Talip

ot

palm

Sout

hern

In

dia

and

Sri

Lank

a

Rain

fore

st9a

– 1

1 20

°F80

'Sl

ow

whe

n yo

ung

Solit

ary

Full

sun

to

part

ial

shad

e

Low

Cost

a-pa

lmat

eD

ull g

reen

Flow

ers a

fter

60

– 80

ye

ars a

nd th

en d

ies.

Mas

sive

leav

es 1

2 –

18' i

n di

amet

er w

hen

mat

ure.

Die

s aft

er

flow

erin

g

Dyp

sis b

aron

iiSu

gar c

ane

palm

Mad

agas

car

Mou

ntai

n re

gion

s ar

ound

16

00'

9a –

11

24°F

15'

Slow

to

mod

erat

eSo

litar

yFu

ll su

n to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Low

Pinn

ate

Gre

enH

eat a

nd d

roug

ht

tole

rant

, but

doe

s bes

t w

ith a

dequ

ate

wat

er.

Dyp

sis d

ecip

iens

Man

ambe

pa

lmM

adag

asca

rD

ry

high

land

s to

670

0 fe

et

9a –

11

21°F

15'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Low

Pinn

ate

Blue

-gr

een

One

of t

he fe

w c

old-

tole

rant

pal

ms w

ith a

cr

own

shaf

t.

Gui

haia

ar

gyra

taD

aint

y la

dy

palm

Viet

nam

Ope

n fo

rest

s on

limes

tone

hi

lls

9a –

11

22°F

4'Sl

owCl

uste

ring

Shad

e to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Low

Palm

ate

Gre

en

abov

e,

silv

ery

whi

te

belo

w

Firs

t pla

ced

in th

e ge

nus T

rach

ycar

pus.

Gro

ws b

est a

t hig

her

pH.

How

ea

fors

teria

naKe

ntia

pal

mLo

rd H

owe

Isla

nd, N

ew

Sout

h W

ales

, Au

stra

lia

9a –

11

24°F

6 –

14'

Slow

Solit

ary

Part

ial

shad

eM

oder

ate

Pinn

ate

Dar

k gr

een

abov

e,

light

er

belo

w

Exce

llent

con

tain

er

plan

t.

Palms for North Florida

8

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

N

ame

Ori

gin

Nat

ive

Hab

itat

Har

dine

ss

Zone

Typi

cal

Hei

ght

Gro

wth

Ra

teH

abit

Ligh

tSa

lt

Tole

ranc

eLe

af T

ype

Folia

ge

Colo

rCo

mm

ents

Juba

ea ch

ilens

isCh

ilean

w

ine

palm

Chile

Des

ert,

coas

tal

valle

ys

8b –

10a

14

°F50

-80'

Very

slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Low

Pinn

ate

Dul

l gre

en

abov

e,

gray

be

low

Requ

ires w

ell d

rain

ed

soil.

Has

the

thic

kest

tr

unk

of a

ny p

alm

– u

p to

6 fe

et in

dia

met

er.

Livi

ston

a au

stra

lisAu

stra

lian

fan

palm

Aust

ralia

Rain

fore

st

unde

rsto

ry9a

– 1

1 22

°F40

'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eD

eep,

gl

ossy

gr

een

Seco

ndm

ost c

old

hard

y Li

vist

ona

afte

r L.

chin

ensi

s.

Livi

ston

a ch

inen

sisCh

ines

e fa

n pa

lmCh

ina,

so

uthe

rn

Japa

n

Ope

n fo

rest

s8b

– 1

1 18

°F25

'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eO

live

Gre

enO

ften

def

olia

ted

by

hard

free

zes,

but r

e-gr

ows a

new

can

opy

in sp

ring.

Rar

ely

form

s tr

unk

in n

orth

ern

regi

ons.

Arm

ed p

etio

le

Livi

ston

a de

cipi

ens

Ribb

on fa

n pa

lmAu

stra

liaRi

ver b

anks

an

d co

asta

l ar

eas

9a –

11

23°F

30'

Slow

to

mod

erat

eSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eD

eep

gree

n ab

ove,

w

axy

gray

be

low

The

leav

es a

re d

eepl

y di

vide

d an

d th

e lo

ng se

gmen

ts h

ang

dow

nwar

d in

a c

urta

in-

like

man

ner.

Nan

norr

hops

rit

chia

naM

azar

i pa

lmAf

ghan

ista

n,

Paki

stan

to

Arab

ia

Des

ert

mou

ntai

n re

gion

s

7b –

11

7°F

10'

Slow

Clus

terin

gFu

ll su

nM

oder

ate

Cost

a-pa

lmat

eBl

ue-

gree

nRe

quire

s wel

l-dra

ined

so

il. A

fter

flow

erin

g an

d fr

uitin

g, a

stem

w

ill e

vent

ually

die

ba

ck, b

ut n

ot b

efor

e br

anch

ing

just

bel

ow

the

crow

n.

Phoe

nix

cana

riens

isCa

nary

Is

land

dat

e pa

lm

Cana

ry

Isla

nds

Des

ert

regi

ons,

600

– 19

00'

8b –

11

19°F

40'

Very

slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

ePi

nnat

eD

ull d

eep

gree

nFo

rm im

pres

sive

, lar

ge

spec

imen

s. Po

orly

dr

aine

d si

tes s

houl

d be

av

oide

d.

Phoe

nix

dact

ylife

raD

ate

palm

Nor

th A

fric

a –

exac

t orig

in

unkn

own

Des

ert

regi

ons

8b –

11

19°F

40 -

50'

Slow

Slow

ly

clus

terin

gFu

ll su

nH

igh

Pinn

ate

Gra

y-gr

een

Mos

t lan

dsca

pe

spec

imen

s tr

ansp

lant

ed fr

om d

ate

grov

es in

AZ

or C

A.

Phoe

nix

recl

inat

a5Se

nega

l da

te p

alm

Afric

aD

eser

t re

gion

s9a

– 1

1 25

°F24

– 3

0'M

oder

ate

Clus

terin

gFu

ll su

nM

oder

ate

Pinn

ate

Dar

k gr

een

Suck

ers v

igor

ousl

y.

Slen

der t

runk

s. Th

icke

r tr

unks

may

indi

cate

hy

brid

izat

ion

with

ot

her P

hoen

ix sp

ecie

s, an

d m

ay b

e in

dica

tive

of g

reat

er c

old

tole

ranc

e.

Palms for North Florida

9

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

N

ame

Ori

gin

Nat

ive

Hab

itat

Har

dine

ss

Zone

Typi

cal

Hei

ght

Gro

wth

Ra

teH

abit

Ligh

tSa

lt

Tole

ranc

eLe

af T

ype

Folia

ge

Colo

rCo

mm

ents

Phoe

nix

roeb

elen

iiPy

gmy

date

pa

lm

Sout

heas

t As

ia –

Lao

s, Vi

etna

m,

Thai

land

Rain

fore

sts

9a –

11

24°F

10'

Slow

Solit

ary

Part

ial

shad

e to

full

sun

Low

Pinn

ate

Glo

ssy

gree

nM

ay re

quire

som

e pr

otec

tion

in

part

icul

arly

col

d pe

riods

. Sep

arat

e m

ale

and

fem

ale

plan

ts. A

dapt

s wel

l to

cont

aine

r pro

duct

ion.

Phoe

nix

sylv

estr

isW

ild d

ate

palm

Indi

aD

eser

t re

gion

s9a

– 1

1 22

°F40

'Sl

owSo

litar

yFu

ll su

nM

oder

ate

Pinn

ate

Blue

-gr

een

Shor

ter l

eave

s tha

n P.

cana

riens

is a

nd P.

da

ctyl

ifera

. Hyb

ridiz

es

with

oth

er P

hoen

ix

spec

ies.

Phoe

nix

theo

phra

stii

Cret

an d

ate

palm

Cret

e, li

mite

d ar

eas o

f Tu

rkey

Arid

, des

ert-

like

regi

ons

8b –

11

19°F

25'

Slow

Clus

terin

gFu

ll su

nM

oder

ate

Pinn

ate

Silv

ery-

gray

Sim

ilar t

o P.

recl

inat

a,

but m

ore

cold

har

dy.

Rhap

idop

hyllu

m

hyst

rixN

eedl

e pa

lmSo

uthe

aste

rn

US

Dry

, pin

e fla

twoo

ds7b

– 1

0a

5°F

5'Sl

owCl

uste

ring

Part

ial

shad

e to

full

sun

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eD

ark

gree

n ab

ove,

si

lver

y be

low

Flor

ida

nativ

e.

Sepa

rate

mal

e an

d fe

mal

e pl

ants

. 10

– 12

" ne

edle

s fro

m c

row

n.

Rhap

is ex

celsa

Lady

pal

mCh

ina

Fore

st

unde

rsto

ry9a

– 1

1 21

°F7'

Mod

erat

eCl

uste

ring

Shad

e to

pa

rtia

l sh

ade

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eSh

iny

Gre

enLe

aves

tend

to y

ello

w

with

too

muc

h su

n.

Exce

llent

con

tain

er

plan

t. Va

riega

ted

form

s av

aila

ble,

but

ver

y ex

pens

ive.

Rhap

is hu

mili

sSl

ende

r la

dy p

alm

Chin

aKn

own

only

in

cul

ture

9a –

11

21°F

13'

Slow

Clus

terin

gSh

ade

to

part

ial

shad

e

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eG

reen

, sl

ight

ly

shin

y

Smal

ler s

tem

s and

le

aves

than

R. e

xcel

sa.

All p

lant

s are

mal

e; n

o fe

mal

es e

xist

.

Saba

l be

rmud

ana

Berm

uda

palm

etto

Berm

uda

Sand

y, d

ry

regi

ons

8b –

11

16°F

25'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

e to

hig

hCo

sta-

palm

ate

Blue

-gr

een

Requ

ires w

ell-d

rain

ed

loca

tion.

Saba

l cau

siaru

mPu

erto

Ri

can

hat

palm

Puer

to R

ico

Sand

y, d

ry

regi

ons

8b –

11

19°F

50'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

e to

hig

hCo

sta-

palm

ate

Gre

enM

assi

ve tr

unk,

not

fre

quen

tly se

en in

the

land

scap

e.

Saba

l do

min

gens

isD

omin

ican

pa

lmet

toH

aiti,

H

ispa

nola

, ea

ster

n Cu

ba

Hot

dry

in

land

are

as

to 3

300'

9a –

11

22°F

60'

Slow

to

mod

erat

eSo

litar

yFu

ll su

nM

oder

ate

to h

igh

Cost

a-pa

lmat

eG

reen

Larg

e w

hitis

h tr

unk.

Th

rives

on

sand

y so

ils

Saba

l eto

nia

Scru

b pa

lmet

toSo

uthe

aste

rn

US

Dry

sc

rubl

ands

8b –

10

16°F

5'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Mod

erat

e Co

sta-

palm

ate

to

palm

ate

Dul

l gre

en

to b

lue-

gree

n

Sim

ilar t

o S.

min

or b

ut

has s

mal

ler,

deep

ly

fold

ed le

aves

.

Saba

l mex

ican

aRi

o G

rand

e pa

lmet

toTe

xas,

Mex

ico,

El

Sal

vado

rAr

id, d

eser

t-lik

e re

gion

s8b

– 1

1 17

°F40

'Sl

owSo

litar

yFu

ll su

nM

oder

ate

Cost

a-pa

lmat

eEm

eral

d gr

een

Dro

ught

tole

rant

, bu

t gro

ws f

aste

r with

ad

equa

te w

ater

.

Palms for North Florida

10

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

N

ame

Ori

gin

Nat

ive

Hab

itat

Har

dine

ss

Zone

Typi

cal

Hei

ght

Gro

wth

Ra

teH

abit

Ligh

tSa

lt

Tole

ranc

eLe

af T

ype

Folia

ge

Colo

rCo

mm

ents

Saba

l min

orD

war

f pa

lmet

toSo

uthe

aste

rn

US

Und

erst

ory

of p

ine

flatw

oods

7a –

10b

5°

F6'

Slow

Solit

ary

Part

ial

shad

e to

sh

ade

Mod

erat

eCo

sta-

palm

ate

to

palm

ate

Gre

en to

bl

ue-

gree

n

Doe

s not

form

a tr

unk.

La

rger

cro

wn

than

S.

palm

etto

.

Saba

l pal

met

toCa

bbag

e pa

lmSo

uthe

aste

rn

US

8a –

11

10°F

30 –

40'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Hig

hCo

sta-

palm

ate

Dul

l gre

enTh

e st

ate

tree

of b

oth

FL a

nd S

C. A

dapt

s wel

l to

man

y di

ffere

nt so

ils

and

situ

atio

ns.

Saba

l ros

eiLl

ana

Palm

Wes

tern

M

exic

oD

ry

sava

nnas

8a –

11

10°F

25 –

30'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Cost

a-pa

lmat

eBl

ue-

gree

nD

roug

ht a

nd fl

ood

tole

rant

. Tru

nk is

mor

e sl

ende

r tha

n th

at o

f S.

palm

etto

.

Saba

l um

brac

ulife

raH

ispa

nolia

n pa

lmSa

nto

Dom

ingo

7b –

11

9°F

60'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Hig

hCo

sta-

palm

ate

Dul

l gre

enSt

out,

heav

y tr

unk

with

ver

y la

rge

leav

es.

Thriv

es o

n sa

ndy

soil.

Saba

l ure

sana

Soro

nan

palm

etto

Mex

ico

Ope

n fo

rest

8b –

11

14°F

60' +

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

eCo

sta-

palm

ate

Silv

ery-

blue

Blui

sh ti

nt to

folia

ge

beco

mes

less

dis

tinct

as

the

plan

t age

s.

Sere

noa

repe

nsSa

w

palm

etto

Sout

heas

tern

U

SD

ry p

ine

flatw

oods

8b –

11

18°F

3 –

6'Sl

owCl

umpi

ngPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Hig

hPa

lmat

eG

reen

or

blu

e gr

een,

w

axy

Flor

ida

nativ

e. L

arge

sp

ecim

ens d

o no

t tr

ansp

lant

eas

ily.

Syag

rus

rom

anzo

ffian

a6Q

ueen

pa

lmBr

azil

to

Arge

ntin

aLo

wla

nd

hum

id

fore

sts

9a –

11

23°F

30'

Fast

Solit

ary

Full

sun

to

part

ial

shad

e

Mod

erat

ePi

nnat

eD

ark

gree

nSu

scep

tible

to M

n de

ficie

ncy

on h

igh-

pH

soil.

Pro

duce

s lar

ge

num

bers

of f

ruit

whi

ch

som

e co

nsid

er m

essy

.

Trac

hyca

rpus

fo

rtun

eiW

indm

ill

palm

, ch

usan

pa

lm

Chin

aM

ount

ain

regi

ons t

o 75

00'

8a –

10a

10

°F20

'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eD

ark

gree

n ab

ove,

si

lver

y be

low

Fibe

r-co

vere

d tr

unk.

Ve

ry c

old

hard

y, e

ven

tole

ratin

g lig

ht sn

ow.

Trac

hyca

rpus

la

tisec

tus

Win

dam

ere

palm

Him

alay

as

of n

orth

ern

Indi

a

Mou

ntai

n re

gion

s to

8000

'

7a –

10a

1°

F18

'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eD

ark

gree

n Le

aves

shed

nat

ural

ly,

leav

ing

a sm

ooth

sl

ende

r tru

nk.

Unk

now

n be

fore

199

2.

Trac

hyca

rpus

m

artia

nus

Him

ilaya

n w

indm

ill

palm

Chin

a, N

epal

, In

dia

Mou

ntai

n re

gion

s9a

– 1

0a

23°F

20'

Slow

Solit

ary

Part

ial

shad

e to

full

sun

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eG

reen

ab

ove,

si

lver

y be

low

Slim

mer

trun

k th

an T.

fo

rtun

ei. N

ew g

row

th

cove

red

by w

hitis

h pu

besc

ence

.

Trac

hyca

rpus

or

eoph

ilus

Thai

m

ount

ain

fan

palm

Nor

thw

est

Thai

land

Rock

y ou

tcro

ps,

mou

ntai

n re

gion

s

8a –

10a

14

°F30

'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Unk

now

nPa

lmat

eG

reen

ab

ove,

si

lver

y be

low

Smal

l com

pact

cro

wn

of fo

liage

. Sm

ooth

, sl

ende

r tru

nk.

Palms for North Florida

11

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

N

ame

Ori

gin

Nat

ive

Hab

itat

Har

dine

ss

Zone

Typi

cal

Hei

ght

Gro

wth

Ra

teH

abit

Ligh

tSa

lt

Tole

ranc

eLe

af T

ype

Folia

ge

Colo

rCo

mm

ents

Trac

hyca

rpus

ta

kil

Kam

aon

fan

palm

Nor

th c

entr

al

Indi

aM

ount

ain

regi

ons t

o 80

00'

7b –

10a

6°

F25

'Sl

ow to

m

oder

ate

Solit

ary

Part

ial

shad

e to

full

sun

Unk

now

nPa

lmat

eG

reen

Com

pact

gro

wth

hab

it.

Smoo

th tr

unk.

Trac

hyca

rpus

w

agne

rianu

sW

agne

r's

fan

palm

Japa

n U

nkno

wn

in

the

wild

8a –

10a

13

°F10

'Sl

owSo

litar

yPa

rtia

l sh

ade

to fu

ll su

n

Unk

now

nPa

lmat

eG

reen

ab

ove,

si

lver

be

low

Sim

ilar t

o T.

fort

unei

, bu

t sm

alle

r. Fi

ber-

cove

red

trun

k.

Trith

rinax

ac

anth

ocom

aSp

iny

fiber

pa

lmSo

uthe

rn

Braz

ilO

pen

fore

sts,

dry

sava

nnas

9a –

11

20°F

15'

Slow

Solit

ary

Full

sun

Mod

erat

ePa

lmat

eD

eep

gree

n ab

ove,

w

hitis

h be

low

Not

wid

ely

culti

vate

d.

Long

spin

es o

n tr

unk.

Trith

rinax

ca

mpe

stris

Blue

nee

dle

palm

, Ca

rand

ay

palm

Arge

ntin

a an

d U

rugu

ayAr

id re

gion

s8a

– 1

1 13

°F12

'Sl

owCl

umpi

ngFu

ll su

nH

igh

Palm

ate

Blue

-gr

een

Erec

t, st

iff le

aflet

s. D

roug

ht to

lera

nt.

Fibe

r-co

vere

d tr

unk

with

stiff

spin

es. G

ood

drai

nage

ess

entia

l.

Was

hing

toni

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on-n

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f Non

-nat

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ts in

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atur

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reas

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x et

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). N

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lms w

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t foo

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es h

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lorid

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et b

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ng th

e IF

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t. 4 In

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th F

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lem

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mm

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d. In

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ut it

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pr

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t its

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(cou

ntie

s are

list

ed b

y zo

ne a

t: ht

tp://

plan

ts.if

as.u

fl.ed

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sess

men

t/pd

fs/a

sses

s_co

untie

s.pdf

). N

ote

that

oth

er c

oncl

usio

ns m

ay a

pply

in so

uth

Flor

ida.

5 Th

is sp

ecie

s is n

ot c

onsi

dere

d a

prob

lem

in n

orth

and

cen

tral

Flo

rida

and

may

be

reco

mm

ende

d (c

ount

ies a

re li

sted

by

zone

at:

http

://pl

ants

.ifas

.ufl.

edu/

asse

ssm

ent/

pdfs

/ass

ess_

coun

ties.p

df).

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e th

at o

ther

con

clus

ions

may

app

ly in

sout

h Fl

orid

a.

6 This

spec

ies i

s not

con

side

red

a pr

oble

m in

nor

th a

nd c

entr

al F

lorid

a an

d m

ay b

e re

com

men

ded

(cou

ntie

s are

list

ed b

y zo

ne a

t: ht

tp://

plan

ts.if

as.u

fl.ed

u/as

sess

men

t/pd

fs/a

sses

s_co

untie

s.pdf

). N

ote

that

oth

er c

oncl

usio

ns m

ay a

pply

in so

uth

Flor

ida.

7 Th

is sp

ecie

s is n

ot c

onsi

dere

d a

prob

lem

in n

orth

and

cen

tral

Flo

rida

and

may

be

reco

mm

ende

d (c

ount

ies a

re li

sted

by

zone

at:

http

://pl

ants

.ifas

.ufl.

edu/

asse

ssm

ent/

pdfs

/ass

ess_

coun

ties.p

df).

Not

e th

at o

ther

con

clus

ions

may

app

ly in

sout

h Fl

orid

a.

Palms for North Florida