Rhapidophyllum

More Information About Rhapidophyllum

Needle palms get their name from the long, sharp, porcupine-ish needles produced between the leaves that protect new growth from foragers. Rhapidophyllum is more of a palm shrub than a palm tree. The main trunk grows to about 4' tall and is topped by large leaves on long petioles. The entire plant usually maxes out at around 9' tall. With great age, needle palms will take on a more tree-like form.

Rhapidophyllum (Needle Palm) Growing Conditions

Like most palm trees, needle palm prefers full sun and hot humid summers. It is not too picky about soil types and likes plenty of moisture. They are also salt tolerant plants. What are the limits of this cold hardy palm tree? Here is a list of a few of the places where rhapidophyllum grows: Tulsa OK, St. Louis MO, Cincinnati OH, Washington DC, Chesapeake Bay MD, Rochester NY, Brooklyn NY, and coastal CT. Small needle palm specimens are more cold sensitive than larger specimens and should be grown in a container for a few years before planting outside. We sell rhapidophyllum in a small pot which works well for shipping, but the plant will require winter protection for several years.