Syagrus romanzoffiana
queen palm
Southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
Overview
Syagrus romanzoffiana is the queen palm, growing 300-600 inches (750-1,500 cm) tall with a single smooth gray trunk 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in diameter. Pinnate fronds 96-180 inches (240-450 cm) with drooping leaflets that create a soft, feathery appearance — the drooping leaflet habit distinguishes it from the stiff-leaved Phoenix spp. palms. Among the more frequently planted palms in Southern California and Florida suburban landscapes due to the fast growth rate (24-36 inches / 60-90 cm per year) and the relatively low cost. Cream to yellow flowers in large branched inflorescences 36-48 inches (90-120 cm). Orange fruit 1 inch (2.5 cm) in dense hanging clusters — the fruit drops heavily and creates a mess on surfaces below, staining hardscapes and attracting rats. Not self-cleaning: dead fronds hang on the trunk and require manual removal (unlike Adonidia merrillii, which self-cleans). Manganese deficiency is the primary nutritional problem in alkaline soils (pH above 7.5) — symptoms include frizzled, yellowed new fronds ('frizzle-top'); untreated, the deficiency kills the palm. Native to southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Hardy to 25°F (-4°C). Full sun (8+ hours). Drought-tolerant once established. Ganoderma butt rot (Ganoderma zonatum) — a lethal fungal disease with no cure. Non-toxic. Zones 9-11.
Native Range
Native to southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, growing in subtropical forests and open areas.Suggested Uses
Grown as a landscape palm in zones 9-11 with space for the 120-240 inch (300-600 cm) frond spread. Full sun. Fast-growing. Sited away from hardscapes (heavy fruit drop stains). Manganese supplementation needed in alkaline soils. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to yellow, in large branched inflorescencesFoliage Description
Dark green, pinnate fronds with drooping leafletsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-10 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