(aka: Butiagrus) We are thrilled to offer the rare palm hybrid between Butia capitata and Syagrus romanzoffiana. Although the hybrid xButyagrus nabonnandii can be found naturally in the wild, our plants are from cultivated hand crosses. The palm is named for French horticulturist Paul Nabonnand (1860-1937), who first coaxed the palms to mate. The mule palm hybrid shows amazing vigor comparable to syagrus, and will eventually reach 18' in height. Palm growers who have tried these report surprisingly good winter hardiness, often similar to the butia parent. The foliage of our young plants in the garden are burned back at 15 degrees F, but so far, they've returned well. Reportedly, seed produced by the hybrid is sterile unless able to backcross to one of the parents. We recommend growing our mule palms to a larger size before trying them in the ground.
