Zamia integrifolia (Coontie Palm)
Zamia integrifolia, commonly known as Coontie Palm, is a hardy cycad valued for its compact growth habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and exceptional tolerance to drought, heat, and challenging growing conditions. Despite its common name, Coontie Palm is not a true palm but a member of the ancient cycad family, a group of plants that has existed for millions of years.
Native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean, Zamia integrifolia forms attractive clumps of arching, feather-like leaves emerging from an underground stem. Its neat, symmetrical appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for residential landscapes, commercial projects, coastal gardens, and large decorative containers.
Coontie Palm is particularly valued for its ability to thrive where many other plants struggle, requiring very little maintenance once established while providing year-round structure and texture.
Key Features
Compact cycad with attractive evergreen foliage
Highly drought tolerant once established
Excellent feature or mass planting plant
Suitable for gardens, landscapes, and containers
Low-maintenance and long-lived
Tolerates heat, humidity, and coastal conditions
Strong architectural appearance
Suitable for residential and commercial landscapes
Growth Habit and Size
Coontie Palm grows as a compact clumping cycad with multiple crowns emerging from an underground stem.
Mature plants typically reach between 60cm and 1 metre in height and 60cm to 1.5 metres in width, forming dense, attractive mounds of foliage.
Growth is slow to moderate, with new leaves produced in seasonal flushes.
Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens, courtyards, pathways, and container displays.
Care Requirements
Light
Performs well in full sun, part shade, or bright filtered light.
Plants grown in sunnier positions generally develop denser growth, while those in partial shade may produce larger, softer foliage.
Watering
Water regularly during establishment.
Once established, Coontie Palm is highly drought tolerant and requires only occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Allow soil to dry between watering.
Soil
Thrives in well-draining soils.
Adaptable to sandy, loamy, and rocky soils provided drainage is adequate.
Poor drainage should be avoided.
Temperature and Humidity
Performs best in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates.
Tolerates heat, humidity, and coastal conditions extremely well.
Established plants can tolerate light frost and short periods of cooler temperatures.
Maintenance
Minimal maintenance is required.
Remove damaged or ageing foliage as needed.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser formulated for cycads during spring and summer.
Repot container-grown specimens only when necessary due to their slow growth rate.
Plants may produce offsets that can be removed for propagation.
Common Issues
Yellow Leaves
May indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly manganese or magnesium.
Root Rot
Usually caused by poor drainage or excessive watering.
Slow Growth
Natural for the species and rarely a concern.
Frost Damage
Young foliage may be damaged by severe frost.
Scale Insects
Occasionally found on foliage, particularly in sheltered environments.
Applications
Suitable for:
Feature planting
Mass planting
Coastal gardens
Commercial landscapes
Courtyard gardens
Rock gardens
Poolside planting
Container displays
Low-maintenance landscapes
Its compact form and durability make it particularly useful where year-round structure and reliability are required.
Specification and Care Chart
| Attribute |
Details |
| Botanical Name |
Zamia integrifolia |
| Common Name |
Coontie Palm |
| Plant Type |
Cycad |
| Mature Height |
60cm–1m |
| Mature Width |
60cm–1.5m |
| Growth Habit |
Compact clumping |
| Growth Rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Light Conditions |
Full sun to part shade |
| Direct Sunlight |
Suitable |
| Watering Frequency |
Low once established |
| Soil Type |
Well-draining soil |
| Drainage Requirement |
Essential |
| Temperature Range |
10°C–35°C |
| Humidity |
Highly tolerant |
| Fertiliser |
Cycad fertiliser during growing season |
| Maintenance Level |
Low |
| Drought Tolerance |
High once established |
| Coastal Tolerance |
High |
| Frost Tolerance |
Light frost tolerant |
| Pet Safety |
Toxic if ingested |
FAQ
Is Zamia integrifolia a palm?
No. Despite the common name Coontie Palm, it is a cycad and not a true palm.
How large does Zamia integrifolia grow?
Most mature plants reach between 60cm and 1 metre in height with a spread of up to 1.5 metres.
Is Coontie Palm drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and requires very little supplemental watering.
Can Zamia integrifolia grow in full sun?
Yes. It performs well in full sun, part shade, and bright filtered light.
How often should I water Coontie Palm?
Water regularly during establishment. Mature plants generally require only occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Is Zamia integrifolia suitable for pots?
Yes. Its compact growth habit and slow growth rate make it an excellent container plant.
Why are my leaves turning yellow?
Yellow foliage may indicate nutrient deficiencies, poor drainage, or natural ageing of older leaves.
Is Coontie Palm pet friendly?
No. Like many cycads, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
