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Rhapidophyllum spp.
Overview
Rhapidophyllum spp. is a single-species genus in the family Arecaceae, containing only Rhapidophyllum hystrix, the needle palm, native to the southeastern United States. It is a slow-growing, clumping fan palm that forms a low, shrubby mound 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) tall and as wide, usually without an obvious aboveground trunk. Several short stems rise from the base, densely clothed in fibrous matting and armed with stiff, dark needle-like spines 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long that project from the leaf bases. The leaves are palmate, 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) across including the stalk, divided into stiff segments that are deep green above and silvery beneath. Small flowers are borne in short, hidden clusters among the leaf bases, with male and female flowers usually on separate plants, followed on female plants by woolly, brown fruits about 0.8 inch (2 cm) long. Growth is slow, often only a few leaves a year, and clumps widen over many years. It withstands more cold than most palms, surviving brief lows near 0 F (-18 C). The spiny leaf bases make close handling difficult.
Native Range
Rhapidophyllum hystrix is native to the southeastern United States, from South Carolina and Florida west to Mississippi, with scattered inland populations. It grows in moist woodland, ravine slopes, hammocks, and along streams, usually in shade or part shade on rich, well-drained soils over limestone or sand.Suggested Uses
Grown as a clumping accent, understory, and foundation palm in shaded and woodland gardens, and in colder regions where few palms survive, set 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart. The spiny clumps are used as a barrier planting. Slow growth and eventual width of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) suit it to long-term placements rather than quick screens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Bloom Information
Small purplish to brown flowers open in spring, mainly April and May, hidden in dense clusters among the leaf bases. Male and female flowers usually occur on separate plants, and the bloom is not showy. Female plants then ripen woolly brown fruits over summer and autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
purplish to brownFoliage Description
deep green above, silvery beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-8 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
Plants grow in part shade to full sun on moist, well-drained, fertile soil and tolerate heavy shade, wet ground, and short flooding. Water regularly until established, after which the palm withstands drought and cold. It survives winter lows near 0 F (-18 C), colder than most other palms tolerate, with foliage burn possible in hard freezes. Growth is slow, and feeding in spring supports steady leaf production. The needle spines at the leaf bases make pruning and division awkward, and the spines can injure hands during close work. Offsets can be separated to start new plants, though establishment is slow.Pruning
Remove only dead or damaged leaves, cutting them at the base, since the palm produces few leaves each year and green foliage feeds slow growth. The needle spines at the leaf bases can injure hands during close work. No routine pruning is needed beyond clearing spent leaves and old fruit stalks.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons