The suckering, bushy and often trunkless plant is one of the most cold hardy palm tree in the world. It is perfect choice for landscaping in harsh cold and warm climates. The Needle Palm is native to the Southeastern United States, where it grows in woods and swamps. It is an excellent hideout for wildlife animals and birds from predators.

The Needle palm is a nice specimen that can be used around patios, pools, resorts and outside restaurants.

Additional Information:

Scientific name: Rhapidophyllum Hystrix

Family: Arecaceae

Genus: Rhapidophyllum

Name: The Needle palm gets its name from the needles around the base of the leaves.

Other names: Porcupine palm, Hedgehog palm and Blue Palmetto.

Origin: It is native to the Southeastern United States.

Growth rate: It is slow growing.

Trunk: Unmature palms have no trunk and grow like bushes. Slowly Rhapidophyllum Hystrix forms a hairy, short, stubby, armed with sharp needles trunk.

Leaves: The leaves are deep green,  fan-shaped, glossy, about 2 feet long and 4 feet wide.

 Indoor/Outdoor Use: Both

Maintenance: Low

Light exposure: Rhapidophyllum Hystrix prefers partial shade, but grows well in full sun.

Water requirements: It has average water needs. It is tolerant to the chlorinated water used in the pools.

Drought toleration: It is drought resistant.

Cold toleration: It is the hardiest palm on the planet. It can take temperature as low as -10 F with no damage. The waxy covering on the leaves and fibers on the trunk protect the palms from coldness. They continue to grow well after ice storms and heavy snow.

Flowers: The small stalk of yellow flowers comes among the leaves. They are dioecious, male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

Fruits: They bear brown fruits.

Propagation: It is propagated by seed. The seeds germinate slowly and erratically.

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