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Syagrus spp.
syagrus palm
Overview
Syagrus spp. is a genus of about 65 species of palms in the family Arecaceae, native to South America with the greatest diversity in Brazil. Most are single-stemmed feather palms, though the genus also includes clustering and nearly stemless species, with trunks ranging from underground to 50 feet (15 m) tall. The pinnate, feather-shaped fronds arch from a crown that lacks a crownshaft and carry many narrow leaflets arranged in one or several planes along the rachis. Inflorescences emerge from woody bracts among the leaves and bear separate male and female flowers, followed by single-seeded fruits 0.4-2.4 inches (1-6 cm) long that ripen yellow to orange and are eaten by wildlife. The widely grown S. romanzoffiana, the queen palm, is planted as a street and avenue tree through warm-temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. Species range from cold-tolerant types that withstand brief frost to strictly tropical palms, and many Syagrus spp. hybridise readily, which complicates identification. As a group they need warmth and are intolerant of prolonged cold or wet soils, which can cause trunk and root rot; this restricts most species to frost-free or nearly frost-free climates.
Native Range
Syagrus spp. is native to South America, centred on Brazil, with species extending into Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and the Guianas, and one species reaching the Lesser Antilles.Suggested Uses
Grown as specimen, street, and avenue palms in frost-free and subtropical landscapes, and as container or conservatory plants where summers are warm. Smaller and clustering species are used in courtyards and as understorey plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 50'
Width/Spread6' - 20'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer but can happen year-round in tropical species. Each inflorescence carries many small cream to yellow flowers, and fruits develop over several months, sometimes persisting into the following season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to yellowFoliage Description
green to blue-greenGrowing 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most Syagrus spp. species grow in full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soils, tolerating a pH from about 5.5 to 7.5. Established plants of the hardier species withstand short dry spells and light frost to roughly 20°F (-6°C), while tropical species are damaged by any frost. Regular moisture and feeding support faster growth, as palms in this group are sensitive to manganese and potassium deficiency, which shows as frizzled or yellowing fronds. Drainage is the main limit, since standing water around the roots leads to rot. Propagation is from seed, which can be slow and uneven to germinate.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing fully browned fronds and old fruit stalks. Green or partly green fronds are left in place, since removing them weakens the crown and can expose the growing point. Self-cleaning is incomplete in most species, so dead fronds are cut close to the trunk.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing