Coontie Palm (Zamia Pumila) – 7 Gallon Pot

The Coontie Palm, Zamia pumila, is the only member of the cycad plant family that is native to North America. They are thought to have been around millions of years ago, and they do have that primitive, prehistoric look! Most cycads tend to prefer a warm and humid climate, and the Coontie Palm is no exception, however it will also grow in cooler climates as far north as Zone 7b where temperatures can drop to 5 degrees F. The evergreen foliage of Coontie looks somewhere between a fern and a palm, with arching fronds of feather-like, dark green leathery leaves emerging from a large underground storage root. It forms a somewhat dense evergreen arching mound to about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, maybe a little larger in optimum conditions. Providing a lush tropical look in the landscape, Coontie is very long-lived and easy to grow and maintain.