Rhapidophyllum hystrix
needle palm

Notes:

Not recommended north of Sunset zone 32 and USDA zone 6b, though Dove/Woolridge go as far as saying USDA zone 5 with protection; documented as surviving -20°F, though such hardiness is contingent on receiving summer heat. Needs more shade in winter, at least in cooler zones.

Nearly stemless. "Thorns" in this case refers to spiny leaf sheaths.

Highly organic soil preferred. Sunset is an outlier in requiring good drainage.

Sources: Sunset, Dove/Woolridge, Dirr, NCSU, Missouri BG.

Tags:

acidic soil preferred
acidic soil required
alkaline soil intolerant
attracts:mammals
clay tolerant
coarse texture
compacted soil tolerant
deer resistant
dense canopy
drought tolerant
exposure:full shade
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
form:shrub
habit:rounded
habit:spreading/wide
malodorous fruit
native:eastern North America
part shade preferred
persistence:evergreen
pest/disease free
rich soil preferred
salt tolerant
sandy soil tolerant
slow-growing
stoloniferous/suckering
thorns
type:palm
use:border
use:container
use:deck/patio
use:foundation
use:specimen
water:regular
wet soil tolerant
wind sensitive


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