shrubN. America Native

Coontie

Zamia integrifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Zamia integrifolia, commonly known as coontie, is a low-growing, cycad-like evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States, forming arching rosettes of fern-like foliage from a mostly subterranean stem. The pinnately compound leaves consist of leathery, dark green leaflets with smooth margins, while reproduction occurs via brown, cone-like strobili produced at the center of the plant.

This species is the only cycad native to North America, highly valued for its extreme drought tolerance and ability to thrive in nutrient-poor, sandy coastal soils. It serves as the exclusive larval host plant for the rare Florida Atala butterfly, making it a critical component of ecological restoration plantings in its native range.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a structural, fern-like evergreen texture with glossy, dark green foliage that remains attractive year-round.

Offers exceptional drought and salt tolerance, making it ideal for low-maintenance coastal landscapes and dry sandy soils.

Serves as the critical, exclusive larval host plant for the rare and protected Florida Atala butterfly.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as sandy or rocky soil, in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the subterranean stem sits slightly above the soil line.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict watering to periods of prolonged dry weather.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to suppress weeds, keeping the mulch several inches away from the central crown.

Pro Tip

Never prune green fronds to shape the plant, as cycads grow slowly and rely heavily on energy stored in existing leaves; only remove completely dead, brown foliage at the very base of the stem.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, sandy, or gravelly soils to prevent waterlogging.
Remove only completely dead, brown fronds at the base of the plant.
Protect the crown from standing water or heavy clay soils.

Don't

Do not over-water or plant in low-lying areas where water collects.
Do not prune healthy green fronds under the misconception of shaping the plant.
Do not bury the central crown or subterranean stem too deeply when planting.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverMass PlantingCoastal GardenUnderstory PlantingRock Garden

Companion Plants

Serenoa repens Muhlenbergia capillaris Glandularia tampensis Pinus palustris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coontie questions

What zones can Coontie grow in?

Coontie 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 deer resistant?

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

When does Coontie bloom?

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

Does Coontie need full sun?

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

Is Coontie drought tolerant?

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