Dioon spinulosum (Giant Dioon)

One of the tallest cycads in the world, Dioon spinulosum (Giant Dioon) is an elegant, palm-like, evergreen cycad with an open rosette of perfectly arranged, blue-green, pinnate fronds, up to 6 ft. long (180 cm). They radiate out from the trunk and arch with grace. Borne atop a short stocky trunk, up to 16 in. wide (40 cm), the leaves are divided into up to 120-240 narrow leaflets, armed with small teeth along their edges. This plant is dioecious, presenting separate male and female plants. Distinctive cones appear on male and female plants. The female seed cones are very large, up to 30 in. long (75 cm), weighing about 30 pounds (15 kg). Resembling pineapples, the seed cones are very decorative and can contain up to 300 or more seeds. When mature, the cones will burst open, scattering their seeds. Frost, heat, sun, and drought tolerant, Dioon spinulosum is also one of the most cold-hardy cycads. It can survive temperatures down to 28ºF (-2ºC). Long-lived (several hundred years), Giant Dioon is one of the oldest plants still living on the planet since it flourished over 170 million years ago. Slow to moderately fast-growing, it is easy to grow and is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens where its lush foliage adds a tropical touch. Spectacular as a specimen and striking in groupings.

• Grows up to 4-12 ft. tall and wide (120-360 cm).
• Easily grown in moist, gritty, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Drought tolerant once established.
• No serious disease or pest issues.
• Propagate by seeds or by division and replanting of the offsets formed at the base of the oldest plant.
• Native to Mexico.