Foxtail Palm
Wodyetia bifurcata
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
360 inches
Width
200 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Long-lived palm tree, 50+ years
Native To
Queensland, Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Wodyetia bifurcata is a striking, fast-growing palm tree known for its smooth, self-cleaning trunk and unique fronds. The fronds have leaflets that radiate out at all angles, resembling a foxtail. This palm is prized for its 'self-cleaning' habit, where old fronds fall off cleanly, eliminating the need for pruning. Its elegant, symmetrical form and drought tolerance make it a popular landscape specimen.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny location with excellent drainage.
- Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball.
- Do not plant too deep; the top of the root ball should be slightly above soil level.
- Backfill with sandy soil, creating a slight mound.
- Water well to eliminate air pockets.
- Avoid adding fertilizer to the planting hole.
Pro Tip
Use a palm-specific fertilizer containing micronutrients like manganese and magnesium to prevent common deficiencies and yellowing fronds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide deep, infrequent waterings once established.
- Fertilize regularly with a palm-specific formula.
- Plant in a location protected from strong, constant winds if possible.
- Ensure soil is very well-draining.
Don't
- Do not overwater or plant in soggy soil.
- Do not prune healthy green fronds.
- Do not damage the trunk with mowers or trimmers.
- Do not plant in shade, as it will become leggy.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Foxtail Palm questions
What zones can Foxtail Palm grow in?
Foxtail Palm is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Foxtail Palm deer resistant?
Yes — Foxtail Palm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Foxtail Palm bloom?
Foxtail Palm typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Foxtail Palm need full sun?
Foxtail Palm does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Foxtail Palm drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Foxtail Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Foxtail Palm with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
