Florida Silver Palm
Coccothrinax argentata
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Colombia, Southwest Caribbean, Turks-Caicos Is., United States
iNaturalist: © aidancampos (iNaturalist #146189249)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Arecaceae
- Genus:
- Coccothrinax
- Species:
- Coccothrinax argentata
- USDA Symbol:
- COAR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Olethreutes devotana, Palmetto Fruitworm Moth (Cydia palmetum)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas with high salinity tolerance
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Fresh seed germinates best; remove fruit pulp before sowing. Warm temperatures (80-90°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Ripe fruits are collected directly off the tree, usually in January and February. C. argentea sometimes flowers and fruits twice per year. The species is found in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with scattered distribution in Carambola Hills, Princess Hill, Kingshill, and the east end of St. Croix.
Source: npn.rngr.net