Is the coontie plant native to Florida?
The coontie is native to most of peninsular Florida and southeastern Georgia east of the Apalachicola River (Figure 3). None of the Florida native species are known in the West Indies, but related Zamia species are found there. Its natural habitat is dominated by pines and well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils.
How do you take care of a coontie?
Coonties prefer well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with a small amount of organic material, such as compost, and select a fertilizer with ammoniacal nitrogen rather than nitrate nitrogen to enhance growth. This plant can be propagated from seed, although seeds are slow and sometimes difficult to germinate.
Are coontie palms poisonous to dogs?
While the entire plant is poisonous, it is the seeds in the cones that are deadly. The coontie palm is known by many names including cardboard palm, sago tree, and sago palm, to name a few. This is a deadly plant and it only takes a small amount (two seeds) to make your dog ill, and just four seeds can be fatal.
How often should I water my coontie?
Plant care Fertilizer helps to keep the plant at its best, so fertilize with a high quality granular fertilizer 3 times a year – spring, summer and autumn. Water regularly but with ample time for the plant to dry out between waterings – or at least give it water during dry spells.
How do you trim a coontie?
Bend the leaf downward slightly to expose its stem. Cut horizontally through the leaf stem with the pruning shears, 1/4 inch above ground level. Repeat this process to remove all broken, yellow or dead leaves from the coontie palm.
Can Coonties be divided?
Coontie grows only one leaf tall from an underground, turnip-like stem. The fat stem will eventually divide into several crowns (similar to eyes on a seed potato) as the plant matures. Each crown will produce up to seven or more new leaves each year, as well as retain leaves from the previous year or two.
What part of coontie is poisonous?
seeds
While the entire plant is poisonous, it is the seeds in the cones that are deadly. The coontie palm is known by many names including cardboard palm, sago tree, and sago palm, to name a few. This is a deadly plant and it only takes a small amount (two seeds) to make your dog ill, and just four seeds can be fatal.
How do you trim a coontie palm tree?
How do you prune a coontie?
What makes a coontie plant special in Florida?
Coontie is a woody plant with a thick, soft stem that appears like a trunk but it is mostly made of storage tissue and negligible true wood tissue. The other thing that makes Coontie special is that it is the sole larval food for the Atala butterfly.
Where does the coontie cycad plant come from?
Coontie is cold-hardy, being able to withstand the lowest temperature of 30°F It is native to Florida, Cuba and the West Indies. Native plant Cycad enthusiasts, gardeners and state park programs have introduced this specimen as landscape plant into parks and gardens throughout Florida.
What kind of soil does a coontie plant need?
Coontie’s high drought and moderate salt tolerance make it an excellent choice as a low-maintenance landscape plant for coastal Florida. The coontie can be planted in a variety of light conditions, from deep shade to full sun. Well-drained soils are needed, and a small amount of organic material will enhance growth.
Are there any coonties that grow in Florida?
Cut foliage is bunched and shipped from local sources to florists. Coontie’s high drought and moderate salt tolerance make it an excellent choice as a low-maintenance landscape plant for coastal Florida.