Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Arecaceae

Genus:

Rhapidophyllum

Species:

Rhapidophyllum hystrix

USDA Symbol:

RHHY

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to southeastern U.S. swamps and woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–90 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

30–180 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification followed by warm stratification (30-90 days) then cold stratification (60-90 days) for germination.