Rhapidophyllum hystrix/Needle Palm

Large specimen growing in Hammond, LA
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Large specimen growing in Hammond, LA	This is a very tough and coldy hardy palm	Heavy brown base and large palmetto-like fronds
Long wicked spines formed around the base of this palm	Blends nicely in a naturalistic setting	Close-up image of fronds showing the silvery cast on the back side of the fronds


Scientific Name:	Rhapidophyllum hystrix
Common Name:	Needle Palm
Plant Type:	Evergreen
Hardiness Zone:	8, 9, 10, 11 Determine Your Zone
Height:	5-8 feet
Spread:	5 - 10 feet
Light Exposure:	Part Sun, Filtered Shade, Shade
Drainage:	Well drained, Moist, Wet,
Rate of Growth:	Moderate
Water Requirement:	Low
Maintenance Level:	Low
Susceptible to insects and diseases:	No

Comments:	The needle palm is quite cold hardy to zero degrees F. This palm produces 4-10" spines on the trunk. It does not have a typical palm trunk but the crown elongates and produces a big crown of fan-shaped fronds and become thicketlike where conditions are favorable. Suckering is common around the base of a well established specimen. This palm tolerates a wide range of growing conditions related to soils and light exposure.