Rhapidophyllum hystrix

Rhapidophyllum hystrix, the needle palm, is the only species of its genus: a low, clump-forming fan palm of shady, moist woods in the south-eastern United States. Its short stems are hidden in fibre bristling with long, black, needle-sharp spines, and its glossy dark green fans are silvery grey beneath.

It is grown above all for its exceptional cold hardiness, being widely regarded as one of the hardiest palms in the world.

At a glance

• Native range: south-eastern United States (Florida to South Carolina and Mississippi)
• Mature size: clumps usually 1–2.5 m tall and as wide
• Growth rate: very slow
• Light: sun or shade; looks best in partial shade
• Water: evenly moist but well drained; withstands drought once established
• Cold hardiness: about −20 °C for established plants
• Indoors / outdoors: outdoors, including cold-winter gardens

Care

Plant in rich, organic, evenly moist soil. It needs long, hot summers to grow and harden properly, so give it a warm spot. In full sun the crown becomes tighter and paler. Suckers can be removed for a tidy specimen, but wear thick gloves: the spines are formidable.

Why Palmpedia: Every plant is grown in our greenhouse in Almeirim, Portugal, and leaves us in a 15 L to 35 L pot.