Submitted by Andrew Pulte

At least one palm species has never read a book on where palms should grow. Rhapidophyllum hystrix, also known as Needle Palm, is the hardiest of all palm species. This hardy plant has been known to withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, sustaining only limited foliar damage at temperatures approaching 10 degrees below. However, hardiness has its limits. A prolonged cold winter spell may kill the plant.

Needle Palm gets its name from the numerous sharp needles that protect the crown of the plant. It has a clumping form with groups of palmate, deep-green leaves, with silvery undersides.

A native of Florida, this palm is on that state’s endangered species list because it is subject to commercial exploitation. For that reason collectors should only obtain specimens from reputable garden outlets and should never transplant specimens from the wild. However, some experts believe the survival of this species may depend on its increased popularity in home landscapes, and new interest in this species is making it more commercially available.

For USDA zone 6 and 7 gardeners, timing is everything when adding this palm to your landscape. This plant should be planted in early spring after the threat of frost has past. A lengthy growing season will help it get established in your yard.

Site selection and preparation are also important. Select a protected site that gets a good combination of both sun and shade throughout the day. This palm grows in the wild as an understory plant and will do best when these conditions are replicated. In climates colder then zone 7, it is vital that this palm get some sun every day.

Needle Palm seems to grow well in any soil that provides adequate moisture; however, it should thrive on sites with both adequate moisture and good drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil will help your palm get off to a good start.

Zone 6 and 7 gardeners who prefer to stick to the basics in terms of traditional hardy plants will want to avoid planting Needle Palm. For those who like to push the envelope of interesting plant selections, Needle Palm may be just the exotic-looking, dramatic plant to add to your garden.

Andrew Pulte is a graduate student in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences. He works under the guidance of Dr. Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. Admission is free, and the Gardens are open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.

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