Palms For California

Pronunciation: coe-coe-THRIH-nax    ahr-jen-TAH-tuh

Common Name: Florida Silver Palm; Silver Thatch Palm; Silvertop

Coccothrinax argentata is probably the most common Coccothrinax species growing in California and many mature palms exist in both the botanical gardens as well as in some enthusiasts gardens. This palm is very hard to tell from Coccothrinax argentea though the latter is larger, and reportedly much less common and even slower growing. Both have silvery undersides of the leaves and pale, thatched trunks. Though not rare, this palm is one of the slower growing palms (as are most Coccothrinax, though many are even more slow growing) and that has kept it from being a very popular species in California. This palm is definitely more well adapted to the Florida climate than those found in California.

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 8-12 fan leaves Height: 15' Trunk: single; 6" thick; covered with tight weave of brown, neat fibrous matting, though eventually a smooth, barely ringed trunk may be visible on the older, lower trunk; retained, un-split leaf bases while matting present; grey smooth trunk once matting eventually rots away Crownshaft: none Spread: 5'-6' Leaf Description: palmate; circular; stiff with somewhat narrow leaflets; some palms have softer, droopier leaflets; divided about 3/4 of leaf blade length; deep, dark green above and silvery below; 3' long Petiole/Leaf bases: thin; arching; unarmed; 2' long Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: 2' long; from below leaves; arching with small, short branches at the end Fruit: spherical; 1/2" thick; pale yellow-green turning red and then black once ripe

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 28F Drought Tolerance: high Dry Heat Tolerance: excellent Cool Tolerance: moderate Wind Tolerance: moderate Salt Tolerance: high Growth Rate: very slow to slow with age Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: filtered to full sun Human Hazards: none Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare