Zamia pumila
Coontie
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Mature size
- Height 2–4 Feet · Spread 3–4 Feet
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
This variety is no actively in production in our propagation house and may not return to our catalogue. We maintain this page purely for reference and archival purposes. If you would like to grow this plant, tell us. Your interest helps guide what we bring back.
For a larger installation or commercial project, write hello@woodlanders.net.
Zamia pumila (umbrosa) is the form of this low cycad native in eastern Florida. It has stiff evergreen fern-like leaves from a large tuberous root which is the source of arrowroot starch and once much used by the Indians. It is not a palm and is actually more closely related to ferns. It is a popular landscape plant in Florida but hardy in much of the Coastal and Lower South. Somewhat tolerant of salt spray and slightly saline soil. Winter mulch is advisable for young plants in areas where palms are marginal. Can be grown as a container plant and protected in winter. Male and female cones produced on separate plants.