AW Kelleys - Palms List

Palms

Disclaimer: Pictures of containerized plant material were taken on-site at our nursery and should be used as a guide only. Actual size and quality may vary (up or down) for different reasons. A.W. Kelley's Gardens Inc. makes no guarantees, expressed or implied that plant material on the premises will be exactly like the pictures or descriptions in this website.

ABBREVIATION KEY * Denotes native BN: Botanical name TH: Typical height RG: Rate of growth ST: Salt tolerance DT: Drought tolerance FS: Flowering season ZN: Zone (refer to zone map) AS: Available sizes CH: Characteristics Landscape Photos: Links to pictures in the landscape

Adonidia BN: Veitchia Merrillii TH: 15 feet RG: medium ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 B&B CH: Often referred to as Christmas Palm or Dwarf Royal. Large bunches of bright red fruit (seeds) are produced around Christmas time. This attractive and slower growing palm can reach between 15-20 feet in height. In landscaping, professionals recommend spacing of 15-20 feet between palms. They are available in multi stem or single trunk. Sensitive to temperatures below 40˚F. Damage will occur with frost and freezing temperatures. Landscape Photo

Alexander BN: Archontophoenix Alexandrae TH: 40 feet RG: medium ST: low DT: medium FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 B&B CH: Faster growing palm which is very desirable for tropical domestic gardens with a head that looks like a feather duster. Available in single and multi-trunks. Flowering is in the late spring when it develops numerous small white flowers which turn to seed. Great for forming a foliage canopy. This palm is more cold hardy than the King Alexander Palm and can withstand temperatures as low as 35˚F. Landscape Photo King Alexander

Areca BN: Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens TH: 20 feet RG: medium ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 #15 #25 CH: Sometimes called Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm. Commonly sold in containers at nurseries but not as plentiful in large field grown sizes. This palm is a moderately fast grower with feather shaped leaves that are yellowish through the petioles and leaves. Off white flowers are developed on branches about 3 feet long that emerge from the top of the stems. The fruit/seeds are about an inch in diameter and yellow to purple in color. Grown in clumps with numerous canes and often used for screening or a privacy hedge in full or partial shade. Cold hardiness to about 28˚F but frost will burn the leaves. Landscape Photo

Bismarckia BN: Bismarckia Nobilis TH: 30 feet RG: slow ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #15 #25 #45 CH: The “Bismarck Palm” has a bold and formal appearance with its silvery blue leaves. This palm is massive and can develop a spread of 20 ft. or more. Adapts well to Florida’s climate and conditions. Spectacular species that is drought tolerant once established. Have fewer problems with disease and nutritional deficiencies as other landscape palm trees. Cold hardy to about 30˚F. Landscape Photo

Bottle BN: Hyophorbe Lagenicaulis TH: 12 feet RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 CH: Unique looking palm with a trunk that develops at maturity to the shape of a “bottle”. Have upward arching leaves that can reach 10 to 12 ft. in height. Produces a flower stalk coming from below the crown shaft with cream colored flowers. Have oval shaped black fruit that is about an inch and a half long. Tolerates temperatures to 28˚F. Landscape Photo

Cardboard BN: Zamia Furfuracea TH: 4 feet RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #3 #7 CH: This beautiful, low growing ornamental is not a true palm but belongs to the Cycad family. Gets its nickname for thick, stiff, fuzzy foliage. Its leaves resemble the shape of a giant fern that grow to 3-4 feet in length and emerge from the center point to form a rosette. The male cardboard palm produces a cone in July that pollinates female plants which form orange seeds. An excellent place to plant this palm is around a patio or a shady area under other larger palms or trees. Does not like freezing temperatures and will show damage from frost. Landscape Photo

Carpentaria BN: Carpentaria Acuminata TH: 40 feet RG: fast ST: low DT: low FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #25 CH: Very similar to the Adonida palm in appearance but has a taller more slender look and can reach an overall height of 40 feet. It is also a faster grower than the Adonida. The seeds are red in color and can irritate tender areas of the body if contacted. Very sensitive to the cold and can be killed by heavy frost. Landscape Photo

Cataractarum (Cat) Palm BN: Chamaedorea Cataractarum TH: 5 ft. RG: slow ST: low DT: medium FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #3 #7 #15 CH: Originates in Southeastern Mexico and also called Cascade Palm. This suckering palm has a similar look to the Areca Palm but does not get as tall or massive reaching only 6 ft. at maturity. This palm has trunk less plants for stems unlike most palms and can have a wide spread whereby a 5 ft. tall palm can be 7 ft. in diameter. Prefers partial shade and regular watering but can be acclimated to grow in full sun. Also used indoors as a potted foliaged plant in brighter locations. Produces seed about ¼ in. wide which can irritate the skin. Can handle about 32˚ but can get damage from frost and freezing temperatures. Landscape Photo

Chinese Fan BN: Livistona Chinensis TH: 25 feet RG: slow ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 9 thru 11 AS: #3 #7 #15 CH: This palm was imported originally from southern China. The large, glossy green fronds were said to be used in ancient times for dipping (fanning) Chinese royalty, hence the nickname! Slow growing hardy specimen that can reach up to 25 feet in height and eventually develop a woody trunk that turns grey with age. Usually grown as a single palm but is also grown in multiples depending on the desired look. Can withstand several degrees (20-40˚F) below freezing without damage. Landscape Photo

Coconut BN: Cocos Nucifera TH: 80 feet RG: medium ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #7 #15 #25, B&B CH: The Coconut Palm is very popular and well-known for many products processed from the fruit and oil inside the nut. Shredded coconut is often used in cakes, pies and cookies. Also coconut oil is the source used in the making of soups, shampoos, cooking oil and margarine. A mature palm can have up to 20-30 leaves, 15 ft. in length, with up to 150-200 thin leaflets per frond. Can handle cold temperatures from 26-30˚F but will show burn from heavy frost. Landscape Photo Landscape Photo 2

Cocos BN: Syagrus Romanzoffiana TH: 40 feet RG: medium ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #15 #25 B&B CH: Also called Queen Palm this is one of the most commonly used palms in South Florida landscapes. Originating from Argentina this palm is a rapid grower and is not considered native. With the proper fertilizer and irrigation it can grow as much as 6 ft. per year. Produces a bloom stalk that bears orange fruit/seed which can be messy. Trimming dead fronds and blooms stalks before they seed, once or twice a year provides a clean, groomed appearance. This palm prefers full sun and is used around outdoor cafes’, office entrances, hotels and resorts. Cold hardy into the upper 20’s where the upper part of the bud can freeze. If this occurs, the bud area will emit a foul, rotting smell. Simply pull out the loose center and most times it will re-grow new center fronds. Temperatures in the mid and lower 20’s however can seriously damage or kill this palm. Landscape Photo

Coontie BN:* Zamia Pumila TH: 3 feet t RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 8b thru 11 AS: #3 #7 CH: A slow and low growing native perennial which is actually a Cycad but resembles a palm. It is in the same family with the Cardboard Palm and sometimes called the Coontie Hairstreak Palm or Florida Arrowroot. With a fern looking leaf it grows to a height of only 3 feet and forms suckers that grow slowly into mounds 5-6 feet wide. Produces rusty-brown male and female cones that emerge from the ground which release shiny red seeds. The Coontie is an easy plant to grow and many landscapers use this as a ground cover plant in tropical scenery. It likes full sun or partial shade and is very drought tolerant once established. Is quite cold hardy to South Florida. Landscape Photo

Date Palm, Pigmy BN: Phoenix Roebelenii TH: 10 feet RG: slow ST: low DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #7 #15 #25 B&B CH: One of the most widely preferred date palms in the U.S. and used as a popular accent plant for tropical scenery. Comes in single, double and triple trunk forms. This palm is slow growing and stays small compared to other date palms used in Florida. Produces flower stalks at times that emerge from in between the leaves which turn to brown, oval shaped seeds about ½ in long. Beware of very sharp needle like thorns (2 to 4 in. long) which most date palms have along the stem part of the fronds. Can stand up to 28˚F temperature but can be burned in a heavy frost. Landscape Photo

European Fan BN: Chamaerops Humilis TH: 10 feet RG: slow ST: low DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 8 thru 11 AS: #15 CH: Another unique palm that is also called the Mediterranean Fan Palm. This palm has large blue-green triangle shaped leaves which will grow up to 20-24” long and 24” wide. There is thorn like barbs about ½ in. long along the stems of the fronds. Can be trimmed to expose clear trunk and be very effective yet attractive as screening around a patio or pool. This palm grows slow and does well around the ocean and salt water. Very hardy palm that can withstand temperatures down to 22˚F. Landscape Photo Landacape Photo 2

Fishtail BN: Caroyta Mitis TH: 18 feet RG: medium ST: low DT: medium FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 ˚ Marvelous clustering palm with light green leaflets that are shaped like a fish tail fin, hence the common name! Flowering begins as the palm matures with flowers at the top of each stem. This process continues downward to the last flowering stage when the stem dies. The palm stems should be removed as they die and is of no great consequence due to thick multiple trunks. Be careful of the sap and pulp when cutting as it is very irritating to the skin, eyes and mouth. This palm needs ongoing maintenance to trim off old fronds and seed pods. A great place to plant this type of palm is around a pool area to create a tropical look. Also used as an attractive indoor potted plant. It will tolerate light frost but is not hardy to freezing temperatures. Landscape Photo

Foxtail BN: Wodyetia Bifurcata TH: 20 feet RG: fast ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #15 #25 B&B CH: The shape and texture of the leaves resemble a “foxtail” which brought about the common name. The trunk has a green crown shaft, a dark medium grey color on the bottom and almost white at the top. Available in single, double and triple trunk fashion. Bares seeds which are red when ripe and get up to 2” long. These palms are sensitive to cold weather but not as tender as the Adonedia Palm. They should be covered, if possible when a frost is in the forecast. Mature established trees can tolerate only a light frost with temperatures down to about 27˚ F, without significant damage. Landscape Photo

Pindo BN: Butia Capitata TH: 15 feet RG: slow ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 8 thru 10b AS: #15 CH: Originating from Argentina, this palm is often called Butia, Silver or Jelly Palm. The orange dates/seeds it produces are edible. Pindo Jelly is a favorite tourist souvenir which can be purchased along interstate highways in Florida. It’s a very hardy tree with feather shaped silver-blue to milky-green colored fronds. This tree is very attractive in both tropical and desert landscaping scenery. Withstands cold weather down to 15˚ F. Landscape Photo

Ponytail BN: Beaucarnea Recurvata TH: 15 feet RG: slow ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 9 thru 11 AS: #3 #7 CH: Another name for the Ponytail palm is the Elephant Foot Tree. This palm comes from Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Is a succulent tree which is not a palm but in the same family as yuccas. Adapts well in a desert environment. It has a swollen base that stores water for long periods, this is how it resembles an Elephant Foot. Have strap like leaves which droop and are mildly serrated. Also used as a potted house plant. Likes moderate to hot temperatures and does not like the cold. However mature plants can tolerate temperatures to 18˚ F. Landscape Photo Landscape Photo 2 Landscape Photo 3

Royal BN:* Roystonea Elata TH: 80 feet RG: medium ST: medium DT: medium FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #15 #25 B&B CH: This native palm flourishes in wild Florida cypress wetlands where seeds are spread by birds and other animals. It will tolerate periodic flooding that occurs during the summer months. The heart of the tree is edible just like the Cabbage Palm. They are well known for having very tall, smooth, light grey trunks. Often seen along lighted highways, around down-town tall buildings and beach areas in Florida. Can survive cold spells down to 28˚F if the duration is short however heavy frost can burn the leaves. Large Royals are rarely killed by a hard freeze and will recover aesthetically as new fronds are produced. Landscape Photo

Sabal or Cabbage BN:* Sabal Palmetto TH: 40 feet RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 8 thru 11 AS: B&B CH: This is our Florida State Tree and rarely sold in containers. Most trees are dug up from the wild in sizes from 10 to 25 ft. in overall height. The Cabbage palm got its name from the early pioneers who harvested the bud (heart), cooked it and called it swamp cabbage. This is the most commonly seen native palm in Florida’s Pine Woodlands and the Everglades. Also it is one of the most commonly used palms in landscaping in the State. These palms are sold booted or un-booted to expose the woody trunk, depending on the look desired. It develops a flower stalk that emerges from the leaf base producing black round fruit/seeds ¾ in. in diameter which are an important food source for birds and many wild animals. Their tough, resistant trunks are able to survive intense wildfires that often kill other forest species in Florida. This palm is very cold hardy and can survive temperatures well below freezing. Landscape Photo

Saw Palmetto BN:* Serenoa Repens TH: 6-8 feet RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 8 thru 11 AS: #3 #7 #15 CH: This native palm is very slow growing and seen in large clumps throughout Florida’s woodlands. It is also widely used in commercial landscaping to meet mandatory, native County Code requirements. The leaves are green or bluish-grey in color and have short, saw-tooth thorns along the stems of each frond. They produce flower stalks among the leaves which bear fruit/seeds. These berries are harvested and sold to manufacture medicinal tonics well known for health remedies. Is a valuable food source for Florida’s wildlife. Drought tolerant but can handle moist soils also. Likes full sun but does o.k. in partial sun. We carry Green and Silver varieties of this palm which both have the same growth habits. The only real difference between the two is color variation with Silver Saw Palmetto having a striking silver cast in the leaves most of the time. These palms will flourish in temperatures from 25˚-97 ˚F. Landscape Photo Silver Saw Palmetto

Spindle BN: Hyophorbe Verschaffeltii TH: 20 feet RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 CH: Slow growing palm that gets it common name “Spindle” from the shape of its trunk. The palm slowly forms a gray trunk which becomes thicker in the middle and narrows at both ends to form the shape of a spindle. The base of the shinny, green crown shaft also appears swollen. Develops cream colored male and female flowers on the same tree. Fruit is black and oval shaped, about 1’’ in diameter. Can handle temperatures down to about 30˚ F. Landscape Photo

Thatch BN:* Thrinax Radiata TH: 20 feet RG: slow ST: high DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 CH: The Thrinax Palm is a smaller stature, very slow growing palm. Excellent palm to use around the beach areas due to the seaside and alkaline tolerance. Used in groups of two to five often times in a full sun landscape scenery. Bisexual flower stock is about 4 ft. long and usually appears above the leaves. Flowers are small and white which form white fruit about ¼’’ in diameter. Freezes at about 30˚F. Landscape Photo

Traveler's BN: Ravenala Madagascariensis TH: 25 feet RG: medium ST: low DT: medium FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11 AS: #7 #15 #25 CH: One of nature’s most distinctive plants which is not a true palm. The Traveler’s Palm is described as being part banana plant and part palm tree. The long stems and dark green leaves resemble a banana plant with a head that spreads wide like a fan. A mature travelers palm will develop a woody trunk and can bloom year round to produce brownish colored fruits containing light blue seeds. This vigorous palm gets its name from the thirsty travelers that could find water in many parts of the palm. A perfect piece for that special accent in a tropical landscape. Be sure to allow plenty of room for this fast growing, massive tree that can eventually reach a height of 45 ft. Mature plants can handle temperatures in the lower 30’s but frost will burn the foliage. Landscape Photo

Triangle BN: Neodypsis Decaryi TH: 25 feet RG: medium ST: low DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #15 #25 CH: This palm originates from the South African Island of Madagascar. A unique palm because of its unusual leaf base which forms a pronounced triangle shape. Thrives in full sun, is a slow grower and is very drought tolerant. Makes a great indoor plant because of its attractive appearance and slower growth habit. Leaves can be damaged at temperatures below freezing. If damaged from cold, recovery can take up to two years as a whole new set of leaves must be generated. Landscape Photo

Washingtonia BN: Washingtonia Robusta TH: 100 feet RG: fast ST: medium DT: high FS: n/a ZN: 8 thru 11 AS: B&B CH: Another name for the Washingtonia is the Mexican Fan Palm Tree. This palm does great in Florida because it likes the sunny, dry conditions of the environment. Often used around hotels, tall buildings, highways and parks because of its rapid growth and tropical appearance in the landscape. Has hook-type barbed thorns along the base of the fronds. Allow lots of room for this fast growing, very tall palm. Hardy down to about 20˚F but foliage can be damaged at that temperature. Landscape Photo