© Rosario, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Bismarckia spp.
bismarck palm
Overview
Bismarckia spp. is a genus in the palm family (Arecaceae) containing the single species Bismarckia nobilis, the Bismarck palm, endemic to the grasslands and savannas of Madagascar. It forms a stout solitary trunk topped by a rounded crown of large, costapalmate fan leaves. Mature trunks reach 40-70 feet (12-21 m) in habitat, though cultivated plants are often shorter. The leaf blades span 4-10 feet (1.2-3 m) across and are stiff, deeply divided, and most often a waxy silver-blue, while a less common green-leaved form also occurs. The leaf stalks are wide and edged with small teeth. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees; branched flower clusters emerge among the leaves, and female trees bear brown, single-seeded fruits about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide. Bismarckia spp. grows in open, sunny, seasonally dry country and tolerates heat, wind, and drought once established. It is sensitive to frost and to transplanting, and the silver form is more cold-tender than the green. The broad crown needs considerable space, so plants are unsuited to small gardens.
Native Range
Endemic to Madagascar, where it grows in open grassland, savanna, and seasonally dry hill country. Plants occur on well-drained, often sandy or lateritic soils in full sun.Suggested Uses
Grown as a single specimen palm in large gardens, parks, and avenues in warm climates, where the silver-blue crown is visible at a distance. Young plants are sometimes grown in large containers and conservatories in cooler regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread12' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Branched flower clusters emerge among the leaves on mature trees, mainly in the warm season. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Female trees develop brown rounded fruits that ripen over many months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Silver-blueGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bismarckia spp. grows in full sun on deep, well-drained soil and tolerates heat, drought, and wind once established. Young plants grow slowly and resent root disturbance, so they are planted out while small and left undisturbed. The palm is frost-sensitive, with the silver form hardy only in frost-free to near-frost-free climates and the green form slightly hardier. Deep but infrequent watering suits establishing plants, after which irrigation can be reduced. Older leaves are shed slowly and may need removal as they brown.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing fully dead or hanging brown leaves. Green leaves are left in place, as over-trimming weakens the crown. No other pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons