Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
I can tolerate all light conditions.
Low water needs.
Size: 1-3 ft tall x 3 ft wide
Bloom Time: Summer
From a distance, I look like a fern but I am actually in the cycad family. I am the only native cycad to North America. My dark green leaves are the preferred host plant for the rare Atala butterfly. Florida native people once ground up my stems to make a chalky substance used as flower. (But please don’t do this at home because the stem is toxic if not cook properly). I am extremely drought and sand tolerant so I make a great addition to coastal landscapes. I can be used as a boarder or specimen plant. Due to my slow growing nature, I am a little more expensive.
https://fnps.org/plants/plant/zamia-integrifolia
Low water needs.
Size: 1-3 ft tall x 3 ft wide
Bloom Time: Summer
From a distance, I look like a fern but I am actually in the cycad family. I am the only native cycad to North America. My dark green leaves are the preferred host plant for the rare Atala butterfly. Florida native people once ground up my stems to make a chalky substance used as flower. (But please don’t do this at home because the stem is toxic if not cook properly). I am extremely drought and sand tolerant so I make a great addition to coastal landscapes. I can be used as a boarder or specimen plant. Due to my slow growing nature, I am a little more expensive.
https://fnps.org/plants/plant/zamia-integrifolia