Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

A very aristocratic-looking species, Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is an elegant evergreen palm with an exceptionally straight, slender trunk and a high canopy of gracefully arching, feather-like fronds that can reach 8-15 ft. in length (2-5 m). Each glossy, dark green leaf is divided into numerous drooping leaflets. The smooth, gray trunk, 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm), is ringed with old leaf scars and displays irregular bulges over its length. Creamy flowers are produced from within the leaves during the spring and summer months. They give way to showy, hanging clusters of yellow to orange, edible dates, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), that often accumulate on the ground beneath the canopy. Slow-growing and long-lived (50-150 years), Queen Palm is hardy to 25°F (-4°C), but the leaves may be severely damaged. A beautiful palm for formal plantings, as a specimen or street tree.

• Grows with an upright habit up to 50-70 ft. tall (15-21 m) and 20-30 ft. wide (6-9 m). Grows 24 or more inches per year (60 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun with regular watering. Will withstand some drought but keep watered for best looks. Queen palm generally grows poorly on alkaline soils. Displays moderate salt tolerance.
• No serious disease or pest issues. Keep an eye out for scales, spider mites, butt rot, armillaria and root rot.
• The dead fronds are persistent and often require pruning to remove.
• Propagate by seed. Will germinate in 2-4 months. As with most palm species, high temperatures (90–95°F or 32-35°C) are required for seed germination.
• Native to Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southeast Brazil.