General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Floodplains, hammocks, wetlands, swamps, moist forests
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, SC, NC, TX, AR, OK, VA, TN
Growing Zones: 7–11
Size at Maturity: 4–6 feet tall and wide
Phenology: Evergreen
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Slow
Growth Habit: Clumping, crown, dense, palm-like
Bloom Season: Spring to early summer
Bloom Color: Creamy white
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, clay, muck
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist, wet, adaptable
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Some Spray
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Understory planting, foundation plantings, rain gardens, woodland gardens, wetland edges
Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; remove old fronds for a neater appearance
Considerations: Cold-hardy native palm; ideal for shaded, moist areas
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Yes (fruit pulp edible in small quantities)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used by Indigenous peoples for food and fiber; medicinal use of root decoctions reported
Florida Native Companion Plant: Swamp Azalea, Wax Myrtle, Cinnamon Fern
Wildlife Benefit: Birds, small mammals, insects (nectar)
Caterpillar Host Plant: No