UGA Cooperative Extension

Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens: The Palm Collection

The Palm Collection
At the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens
Prepared by Tom McClendon, President Southeastern Palm and Exotic Plant Society September, 2000; Revised February, 2003
Although there are several old, beautiful palms at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens, the majority of species listed here were planted by members of the Southeastern Palm and Exotic Plant Society (SPEPS). Since 1997, SPEPS members have planted more than 35 species of palms in an effort to beautify the Gardens and evaluate the palms for their use as landscape plants in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. It is our hope that the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens will eventually house the largest palm collection north of Florida and east of the Mississippi River.


Acrocomia totai (Gru-Gru Palm). A wide-ranging species that has a native habitat from Cuba to Argentina, the Gru-Gru palm resembles a silvery Queen palm, which is only marginally hardy in Savannah. This specimen is from a group of palms in Florida that have proven exceptionally hardy, sustaining no damage in the upper teens F even as seedlings. The palm has one drawback: It is covered with vicious spines. However, the spines can easily be removed from the trunk. 40 ft.?

Arenga engleri (Dwarf Sugar Palm). A fairly common palm in cultivation in Florida, the Dwarf Sugar Palm is so far the hardiest member of its genus, tolerating temperatures down to 20 degrees F without significant damage. Relatively slow growing, it will eventually form a very attractive clump of palms with dark green pinnate leaves. The fruits are bright orange. We are trialing this species in a protected part of the Cottage Garden. Planted in the summer of 2002. 10 ft.

Arenga micrantha (Common name unknown). A recently re-discovered species from Bhutan, India, that grows in the colder foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Because it hails from higher altitudes than its cousin A. engleri, it is presumed that it will be even more cold hardy. A. micrantha is a very attractive palm with medium-green pinnate leaves with silver undersides. Planted in the Cottage Garden in the summer of 2002. 10-15 ft.

Brahea armata (Blue Hesper Palm). This Mexican palm has long been cultivated in Mediterranean climates such as California and southern Europe, but trials in the southeast have been limited mainly to Florida, where this palm seems to suffer from the unrelenting humidity. The palm here has done very well, with no spotting of the leaves from humidity when given full sun. The powder-blue leaves are especially attractive as are the long, arching inflorescences on mature plants. 35 ft.

*Butia arenicola* (Butia Palm). This is a dwarf species from South America that does not form a true trunk. Its silvery pinnate leaves should be quite striking at maturity. Hardiness unknown. 3 ft.?

Butia capitata (Jelly Palm, Pindo Palm). One of the most commonly planted palms in the south, the Jelly Palm has orange or yellow edible fruits that mature in summer. An excellent jelly can be made from the fruit, hence the common name. This palm is of easy culture and is iron-clad hardy for the region. 20 ft.

*Butia x Jubaea* (Hybrid Butia Palm). A deliberate hybrid between two closely related South American genera, Butia capitata and Jubaea chilensis. This palm is intermediate between the two, combining the faster growth of Butia with the (ultimate) massive size of Jubaea, which has proven difficult to grow in the south. 40 ft.?

*Butia x syagrus.* Synonymous with xbutiagrus. This graceful palm is a cross between two very common landscape species, Butia capitata and Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen palm). It originally occurred in Florida as an accidental hybrid and has since become a much sought-after landscape palm. Some specimens closely resemble the Coconut palm, to which both parents are related. 30 ft.

Butia yatay (Yatay Palm). Another species of Butia from South Africa, the Yatay Palm should prove just as hardy as the old standby Butia capitata. It differs from the common Pindo palm by its looser, more graceful leaves and much taller trunk. In habitat, it forms a magnificent tree twice the size of Butia capitata. 40 ft.

*Chamaedorea microspadix* (Bamboo Palm). A clustering species from Central America. The leaf bases fall away to reveal a shiny, jointed stem, which gives rise to the common name. Prefers heavy shade. 8 ft.

Chamaedorea plumosa (Common name unknown). This species was recommended to us for trial by Eric Schmidt Leu Botanical Garden in Orlando, Florida, where is has proven fully hardy. Resembling a diminuative Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), C. plumosa has attractive light green pinnate leaves atop a slender trunk. Unlike most Chamaedorea species, C. plumosa tolerates nearly full sun. Planted in the summer of 2002. 8 ft. ?

*Chamaedorea radicalis* (Hardy Parlour Palm). Beautiful deep green pinnate leaves characterize this shade-lover from Mexico. It has proven very well adapted to the region and comes in trunked and trunkless forms. Seed collected from trunking individuals in Florida. 8 ft.

*Chamaerops humilis* (European Fan Palm). One of the older palms at the BFCG, the two specimens flanking the potting shed have been here for many years. Without a doubt the European Fan Palm is excellently suited for the Coastal Plain. Several years ago, two more specimens were planted on the opposite side of the drive. Another large specimen by the pavilion was rescued from an old motel in Augusta. 15 ft.

Chamaerops humilis ‘Cerifera' (Silver European Fan Palm). A color variant of the European Fan Palm that occurs at high elevations in North Africa. Very attractive but slow-growing palm. 10 ft.

*Livistona chinensis* (Chinese Fan Palm). This palm is actually quite commonly sold as a house plant. It is sometimes seen planted out of doors, usually in full sun or as a ground cover. The Chinese Fan Palm is really adapted to neither use. It prefers partial shade as a juvenile plant but tolerates full sun as an adult. 15 ft.

Livistona decipiens (Ribbon Palm). Another species endemic to Australia that is proving itself to be very well adapted to the Georgia coast. As a mature plant, the leaf tips droop, giving rise to its common name. Very distinctive in the landscape. 25 ft.

*Livistona drudei* (Common name unknown). Another beautiful Livistona species, which as a group are characterized by their glossy palmate leaves and spiny petioles. This species has done well as far north as Jacksonville, Florida, but its hardiness in Savannah is unknown. 25 ft.?

*Livistona nitida* (Canarvon Gorge Palm). This relatively obscure species is from a single remote location in Australia. It is proving to be both very cold hardy and fast growing under Savannah conditions. In addition, it has a form and leaf shape very different from other, more common palms currently available. 25 ft.?

*Livistona saribus* (Taraw Palm). An experimental species from Southeast Asia, the Taraw Palm is very distinctive. Notice the lime-green leaves and black spines on the petioles. This specimen came from a cold area for this palm. However, not much is known yet on ultimate cold hardiness. 20 ft.?

*Phoenix canariensis* (Canary Islands Date Palm). Widely planted in warm regions the world over, the Canary Islands Date Palm can be found in old gardens in Savannah, Charleston -- even Waycross, GA. Perhaps too large for most modern lots, it nevertheless is a beautiful, stately palm.

Phoenix dactylifera (Edible Date Palm). The palm of commerce, antiquity and the Bible, the Date Palm may be the oldest cultivated plant. Called "Tamar" in several Semitic languages, the Date Palm prefers its "feet in the water and its head in the fire," according to Arab folklore. Very hardy so far in Savannah. 40 ft.

*Phoenix reclinata* (Senegal Date Palm). A clustering Phoenix species from sub-Saharan Africa, the Senegal Date Palm has proven hardy to Jacksonville. It has survived several Savannah winters, but its long-term prospects in the region are unknown. 20 ft.

*Phoenix sylvestris* (Wild Date Palm). This species holds real promise both as a landscape plant for the coastal region. Intermediate between the Edible Date Palm and the Canary Islands Date Palm. Its leaflets are held on different planes, giving the palm a distinctive plumose appearance. 40 ft.

Phoenix canariensis x sylvestris (Hybrid Date Palm). This hybrid between the Wild Date Palm and the Canary Island Date Palm has proven more cold hardy in northern Florida than either parent, tolerating temperatures as low as 18 degrees F without significant damage. The palm is very attractive and intermiediate between parents. 35 ft.

*Phoenix theophrasti* (Cretan Date Palm). A palm closely resembling the Edible Date palm (P. dactylifera), but smaller in all respects. Based on its more northerly native habitat, it may be more cold-hardy as well. 25 ft.

Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm). One of four species of palms native to the Southeastern United States above Florida, the Needle Palm can be found locally on the banks of the Ogeechee River. It has the distinction of being the world's most cold-hardy palm, easily withstanding temperatures several degrees below zero degrees F. The Needle Palm is reliably hardy to Washington, D.C. Adapts to shade or sun, but looks best in some shade. 10 ft.

Rhapis excelsa 'Daruma' (Lady Palm). A very attractive palm that is popular in the houseplant trade, the Lady Palm has also proven itself surprisingly cold hardy. So far it has tolerated temperatures at the Bamboo Farm in the low 20s F with no damage. This palm requires heavy shade, particularly in winter, to look its best. 5 ft.

Sabal sp. ‘Bahama' (Bahamas Palmetto). A palm closely resembling Sabal palmetto but with fewer leaves and a thinner, taller trunk. It may in fact be a variant of the common Sabal palm that is native to the Georgia coast. 60 ft.

*Sabal causiarum* (Puerto Rican Hat Palm). A massive Sabal palm from the Caribbean region with blue-gray leaves and a thick trunk. These specimens were seed-collected from a large old palm on the Gainesville campus of the University of Florida. 40 ft.

Sabal domingensis (Cana Palm). Another Caribbean Sabal closely resembling S. causiarum and distinguished mainly by the shape of the fruits and the grayer leaves. Equally impressive and should be more widely planted. 50 ft.

Sabal etonia (Scrub Palmetto). A species endemic to the Florida peninsula, the Scrub Palmetto grows exclusively on sugar sand hills. Not surprisingly, the Scrub Palmetto requires full sun and excellent drainage to do well. In the wild, this palm often looks stressed in its xeric environment, but it responds well to water and fertilizer, rewarding the grower with its gray-green, highly costapalmate leaves. This palm has proven itself full hardy at least to Atlanta. 8 ft.

Sabal mexicana (Texas Palmetto). The Texas Palmetto is found from the central Texas coast south to Mexico and Guatemala, where it tolerates higher and drier sites than its eastern cousin Sabal palmetto. Sabal mexicana looks like a more robust form of the Cabbage Palm, with a heavier trunk and larger fruits the size of an olive. A handsome palm that should be more widely planted in the southeast. 40 ft.

*Sabal palmetto* (Cabbage Palm, Sabal Palm). Almost ubiquitous along the Georgia coast, the Cabbage palm was used in the Xeric Garden to demonstrate this species' adaptability to a low water use environment. Beautiful, hardy, and native to Georgia, the Cabbage palm is best planted in informal groups of varying heights. 60 ft.

Sabal rosei (Common name unknown). Another Sabal species that has already proven itself fully hardy in Zone 8, Sabal rosei was planted in 2002 for comparison to other Sabal species and to evaluate under conditions found in Savannah. In its western Mexico habitat, Sabal rosei is extremely common. Its blue-green leaves and tall trunk make is especially attractive. 40 ft.

Sabal sp. ‘Tamaulipas' (Tamaulipas Sabal Palm). Collected at 3,000 feet in elevation in Mexico, this palm may be a relic population of Sabal minor, but it has some distinct differences, such as a different flowering habit, more deeply divided leaves, and a creeping trunk. Very attractive and hardy in cultivation at least to Atlanta, GA. 6 ft.?

Sabal uresana (Sonoran Palmetto). With its silver leaves and heavy brown trunk, the Sonoran Palmetto is certainly one of the most beautiful Sabal species -- and one of the least commonly planted. In western Mexico, where it is native, it grows in scrub at relatively high altitudes (to 3,000 ft.). Several palm enthusiasts in the southeast have demonstrated that the Sonoran Palmetto is hardy in Zone 8. 35 ft.

*Sabal sp. ‘Xtexensis'* (Brazoria Palm). The Brazoria Palm is a reputed hybrid between Sabal mexicana and S. minor (Dwarf palmetto), both of which grow among or near the small, isolated stand of these palms in Brazoria County, Texas. Somewhat variable in habit, with some plants having flat leaves and others having highly costapalmate leaves. 20 ft.

*Serenoa repens ‘Azul'* (Blue Saw Palmetto). One of several color forms of the Saw Palmetto. These color forms occur in scattered stands on the Atlantic coast in Florida. Very attractive in cultivation. 15 ft.

*Serenoa repens* (Saw Palmetto). The most common native Southeastern palm, the Saw Palmetto covers literally thousands of acres in the region. Recently some studies have shown the fruit to reduce swelling of the prostate gland. The University of Georgia is conducting research of mechanical harvesting of Saw Palmetto fruits at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens. 15 ft.

*Trachycarpus fortunei* (Windmill Palm). Very common in cultivation and among the hardiest of palms. Certainly one of the hardiest trunking palms, it has been known to recover from below-zero temperatures. Looks its best in some shade and heavier soil. Easy to grow. 30 ft.

*Trachycarpus latisectus* (Windamere Palm). Another recently discovered Trachycarpus species from India. This one promises to be among the most beautiful. In cultivation in India it displays large, round leaves and an attractive bare trunk. There are no mature specimens yet in the United States. 25 ft.?

*Trachycarpus takil* (Kumaon Palm). India is becoming renowned as a source for newer species of cold-hardy palms. The Kumaon Palm is among the more famous. It was introduced into cultivation more than a hundred years ago, lost, and then re-discovered by plant explorers Martin Gibbons and Tobias Spanner. The Kumaon Palm resembles the much more common T. fortunei but is larger in all respects, tolerates heat better, and may be more cold hardy. 35 ft.?

*Trithrinax brasiliensis* (No Common Name). This palm looks like a cross between Trachycarpus fortunei and the native Needle Palm, Rhapidophyllym hystrix. It has an interesting cross-hatched pattern on the trunk and stiff, silvery leaves. Like the Needle Palm, it has sharp spines on the trunk and should not be planted near walkways. 20 ft.

*Washingtonia filifera* (California Fan Palm). A common palm in Arizona, California, and other areas of the world with a Mediterranean climate, this palm should be more widely planted in the Southeast. Up to now, it has been uncommon for two reasons: Seedlings are susceptible to fungal infections in the humid south, and nursery growers have found it much easier to propagate the more cold-tender W. robusta. The California Fan Palm is more cold hardy, easily withstanding temperatures down to 15 degrees F with no damage. 40 ft.

Washingtonia filifera 'Waycross' (California Fan Palm 'Waycross'. This palm is the progeny of an old California Fan Palm in the parking lot of a seafood restaurant in Waycross, Georgia. The parent palm is so tall that it was long thought that the palm had to be W. robusta, which grows much taller than W. filifera. However, when seeds were collected and grown, a number of characteristics pointed toward W. filifera, among them this palm's greater tolerance to cold than W. robusta. This palm should be much more widely planted on the Georgia coast. 40 ft.

*Washingtonia robusta* (Mexican Fan Palm). Extremely common in California and Florida. Grows well in coastal Georgia but will lose its foliage at temperatures below 25 degrees F. The palm quickly recovers, but a better choice for the region is W. filifera; old specimens were killed by single-digit temperatures in the 1980s. 60 ft.

*Xbutiagrus nobannandii* (Mule Palm). Synonymous with Butia x Syagrus. This graceful palm is a cross between two very common landscape species, Butia capitata and Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen palm). It originally occurred in Florida as an accidental hybrid and has since become a much sought-after landscape palm. Some specimens closely resemble the Coconut palm, to which both parents are related. 30 ft.