shrubN. America Native

Coontie Palm

Zamia pumila

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Extremely long-lived

Native To

Southeastern US, Caribbean

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Zamia pumila, commonly called Coontie, is a cycad native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. It is a slow-growing, long-lived plant with a subterranean trunk and stiff, glossy, pinnate leaves, giving it a fern-like or palm-like appearance. As the only cycad native to the continental United States (specifically Florida), it is a unique and historically significant plant. It is also the sole larval host plant for the rare Atala butterfly, making it ecologically vital for the butterfly's survival.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Coontie provides a unique, primitive texture with its stiff, feathery leaves, adding an architectural and tropical feel to landscapes. It works well as a tough, low-growing foundation plant or as a massed groundcover.

Historically, the starchy stem was processed by Native Americans (notably the Seminole) and early settlers to produce flour, after a careful process to remove toxins. Its extreme drought and salt tolerance make it a superb choice for coastal and low-water gardens.

It is the essential larval host plant for the Atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala). The butterfly's populations have recovered in areas where coontie has been replanted, highlighting its critical role in the local ecosystem.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with full sun or light shade and superb drainage.
Amend the soil with sand or fine pine bark to improve aeration.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Plant the coontie so that the top of the caudex is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and water to settle.
Water sparingly once established; it is extremely drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; amend soil with sand or grit to mimic its native sandy habitat and prevent fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage above all else.
Plant with the top of the root crown slightly exposed.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Protect from hard freezes in the northern end of its range.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soil.
Avoid overwatering, which will quickly lead to root rot.
Don't bury the caudex (base) below the soil line.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is unnecessary and can harm the plant.

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

Architectural foundation plantingDurable groundcover for sandy soilsTextural accent in tropical or native gardens

Companion Plants

Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) Gaillardia pulchella (Indian Blanket Flower) Muhlenbergia capillaris (Muhly Grass) Agave americana Yucca filamentosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coontie Palm questions

What zones can Coontie Palm grow in?

Coontie Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coontie Palm deer resistant?

Yes — Coontie Palm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Coontie Palm bloom?

Coontie Palm typically blooms in mid-summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coontie Palm need full sun?

Coontie Palm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coontie Palm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coontie Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.