A beautiful native palm for coastal, frost-free areas, Florida Thatch Palm likes it high, dry and sunny. Great to use throughout coastal South Florida and the Keys, for example, as once established, it can thrive in dry areas. But it does respond well to irrigation — just plant it slightly high. We’re starting to see this palm used too far north and inland, a mistake. Also, it is sometimes planted too low or in too wet an area. In addition to just being a lovely tropical palm, it provides flowers for pollinators and very attractive white fruits for birds and small mammals.

Photo by M. McKnight