Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm)

One of the hardiest palms, Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm) is a shrubby, rounded, evergreen palm with a short, thick trunk and large, palmate, lustrous dark green leaves that can reach 3 ft. in diameter (90 cm). Borne at the tips of unarmed petioles, each leaf is deeply divided into 5-12 stiff and narrow segments, arranged in an open fan. Creamy-white flowers are held in densely branched panicles and are usually hidden by the foliage. They give way to small, reddish brown fruits. The leaf sheaths have long, needle-like, stiff and sharp spines (hence the common name), making this dense-foliaged palm impenetrable to most wildlife. Tolerating drought and heavy soils, Needle Palm is also hardy to 5°F (-15°C). It may be killed to the ground, but since it is a suckering palm, it may come back from such a hard freeze. Cultivated for its ornamental characteristics and its rusticity, Rhapidophyllum hystrix brings a handsome foliage mass to the landscape and can be used as a textural accent or a foundation plant. It also lends interest to a shady border or a container.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm). This plant suckers along the stems to form dense clumps.
• Easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade in a location that is sheltered from winter winds. Best performance is in part-shade. Tolerates wet soils. Mulch around the base of the plant in winter.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate from suckers or from seed. Seeds germinate in about 6 to 12 months.
• Native to South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.