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Foxtail Palm.
genus name | Wodyetia bifurcata |
---|---|
plant type | Tree |
height | 20 feet or more |
width | 10 to 15 feet |
foliage color | Blue/Green |
What does a foxtail palm tree look like?
The Foxtail Palm tree, also known as Wodyetia bifurcata, is a magestic, fast-growing palm native to Australia. This palm tree can grow up to 40 feet tall with a spread of 15 – 20 feet wide. The smooth, light-gray to light-brown trunk is 12 to 18 inches in diameter, thicker at the base. The crownshaft is 3 feet tall, bluish green in color.
What zone do foxtail palms grow in?
Foxtails are fast growers, reaching an ultimate height of about 30 feet. They're best suited for Zone 10, though areas of Zone 9B that closely border Zone 10 will work with normal winter temperatures. These South Florida palms like plenty of sunshine and they're moderately drought-tolerant once established, though a regular watering is ideal.
What are the benefits of a foxtail palm tree?
A benefit of a foxtail palm over other palm trees is that the fronds don't require much attention. There is no need for ladders or cutting tools to trim the tree as it grows. The old fronds will fall off as they age and turn brown around the edges.
How do you grow a foxtail palm tree?
Foxtail Palm looks similar to Royal Palm (Roystonea regia); however it is not as massive. Partial shade is sufficient in subtropical and tropical climates when this palm is young, full sun exposure when older. This palm tree grows quickly. It can start as an indoor plant; however, it will eventually need to be transplanted outside.

How fast do foxtail palm trees grow?
Foxtail Palm The foxtail can reach up to 32 feet high, but usually stops at about half this height indoors. It usually grows more than a foot a year and can reach its full height in 20 years or less.
How long does a foxtail palm live?
Foxtail Palm Tree This type of plant is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. Foxtail palms are known for their long, lush leaves that resemble a fox's tail. These palm trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and have a lifespan of about 25 years.
How far apart should foxtail palms be planted?
6 feet apartPlant spacing If planting a row of foxtails, place them at least 6 feet apart. If the "head" of the palm clears a fence or low structure, you can place it as close as 3 feet from the fence. Foxtail palms will work well in large containers while they're young. Like all plants, palms produce flowers and seeds.
How many feet does a foxtail palm grow per year?
This palm is a tree everyone should want in there landscape. If you live in a warm climate, this palm is really easy to grow, and when it is established in its environment, it is surprisingly fast growing; 2 to 3 feet a year! The foxtail palm is also very attractive.
How deep do foxtail palm roots go?
Palm Tree Root System (Diagram)Type of root systemFibrous root systemGrowth patternHorizontalDepth36 feet (shallow)Exposed roots?Yes – adventitious roots.Mar 17, 2021
Are foxtail palms messy?
Easy maintenance is associated with the foxtail palm tree, as it is a self-cleaning specimen; meaning that spent leaves will die and drop from the tree as needed to facilitate new growth.
Do foxtail palms have a big root system?
Foxtail palms have deep root systems, an adaptation to their native habitat. This means that it is preferable to use deep watering methods as opposed to frequent, shallow watering. Deep watering will encourage the roots to go deep and will allow the plants to withstand drought. Plant foxtail palms 10 to 15 feet apart.
Do foxtail palms grow fast?
It is a fast growing palm that requires a tropical to subtropical climate, full sun, and plenty of water. Its fruits are red at maturity, and its seeds germinate in 3–4 months with bottom heat. This palm also makes a good specimen palm in the landscape.
Can you trim foxtail palms?
- In order to keep your palms looking healthy and attractive, prune your Foxtails' dead fronds. It is extremely important to prune properly by cutting six inches away from the trunk. Because any nicks on the trunk may open up the palms to insects and disease.
What's the fastest growing palm tree?
The King Palm is a remarkably fast grower, growing 3 feet (1 meter) or more annually. This palm tree can live up to 150 years, which is a positive feature in city and urban areas that need less tree replacement and more consistent growth.
Are there male and female foxtail palm trees?
The Foxtail Palm has male and female flowers growing on the same plant. Flowers are followed by clusters of fruits that are oval, about 2 in. long, with a single seed inside. Fruits are green when young but turn red to orange-red when they ripe. Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast.
Is there a dwarf palm tree?
Dwarf palms are classified as palm trees that are under 20 ft. (6 m) tall. Most small palm trees grow from a single trunk, but some have multiple trunks. All small or dwarf palm trees are identified by their feather-like or fan-shaped fronds (leaves).
What is a foxtail palm?
The enchanting foxtail palm is extremely popular for its perfect proportions, self-cleaning habit and full, rounded fronds. A tropical showstopper in the landscape, the foxtail is available in single or multi-trunk specimens. Its smooth gray trunk is topped with a bright green crownshaft and big tufted fronds that resemble the bushy tail of a fox.
How tall do foxtails grow?
Foxtails are fast growers, reaching an ultimate height of about 30 feet.
How to keep palm fronds green?
Fertilize with a granular palm fertilizer containing micronutrients...do this in spring, summer and autumn. Supplement feedings by applying manganese or magnesium every so often to keep the fronds their prettiest deep-green color. You'll never have to trim a frond, since old ones fall off on their own.
Do palm trees like sunshine?
These South Florida palms like plenty of sunshine and they're moderately drought-tolerant once established, though a regular watering is ideal.
Do foxtails grow quickly?
When shopping for a young foxtail, don't be put off by the sparse appearance and "torn" ends of the leaves - they'll grow quickly into a full, rounded "tail."
Do foxtail palms produce seeds?
Foxtail palms will work well in large containers while they're young. Like all plants, palms produce flowers and seeds. After flowering, a more mature foxtail bears a large, heavy cluster of fruit containing seeds. The fruit is showy and bright red, each one the size of a small tomato.
How big does a Foxtail Palm get?
This palm tree can grow up to 40 feet tall with a spread of 15 – 20 feet wide. The smooth, light-gray to light-brown trunk is 12 to 18 inches in diameter, thicker at the base. The crownshaft is 3 feet tall, bluish green in color.
What is a foxtail palm tree?
Foxtail palm trees add majestic tropical appeal to residential and commercial landscape designs. Specimens can be planted in groups as a mass planting, or featured as a focal point in the landscape. Several trees can be planted in a row along a driveway or winding road in large residential and commercial landscapes.
How long does it take for a palm tree to grow?
Do not fertilize newly planted palm trees regularly until new growth appears – approximately six to eight weeks after planting. Propagation. Propagate Wodyetia bifurcata by seeds. Germination occurs in three to six months.
What do palm fronds look like?
Like the name suggests, the palm fronds resemble the tail of a fox. The leaflets are wedge-shaped with jagged ends and dark green to bluish green in color in top, silvery underneath. The flowers are attached to branched spikes that are 2 – 3 feet long. The small male and female flowers are yellow-green in color.
Why is my foxtail's growth slow?
Growth rate will be slow after transplantation as the plant acclimates to its new environment. Specimen-sized foxtails will dedicate most of their energy to new root growth.
Is foxtail palm a royal palm?
Foxtail Palm looks similar to Royal Palm (Roystonea regia); however it is not as massive. Partial shade is sufficient in subtropical and tropical climates when this palm is young, full sun exposure when older. This palm tree grows quickly.
What is a foxtail palm?
3. The leaves of this palm look like the tail of a fox so it is called foxtail palm.
Where does the Foxtail Palm grow?
Foxtail palm is a beautiful fast-growing species native to Queensland Australia and is very popular in warmer regions all over the world. This palm species from Arecaceae family is called as foxtail palm because of its plumose leaves at the top scattering as the bushy fox’s tail.
How to propagate foxtail palm?
Fruits are the source of fresh foxtail palm seeds which is the best and most effective way to propagate this species. Although other ways such as propagation through cutting, division and air layering are also in practice; they haven’t been found to be effective and thus not applicable.
What to do if palm gets worse?
You can also contact the nearest botanical specialist for your problems if the condition of your palm gets worse. This can be the best solution.
How long does it take for a tree to grow?
1. Its quick growth means you can enjoy a good-size tree in just a few years.
Can foxtails be disease free?
3. Therefore you need to study the requirements and proper caring of the foxtail plant, then only you will be able to get the healthy, fresh, and beautiful disease-free foxtail plant in your yard.
Is it bad to fertilize foxtails?
1. Over-fertilizing your Foxtail would be harmful to its growth. So you need to know about the amount of fertilizers that you add to the soil.
Where do foxtail palms grow?
Though it's native to Australia, foxtail palm is well-adapted to growing in areas like South Florida where winter temperatures stay warm. That has made this palm a go-to variety for tropical landscaping. Its quick growth means you can enjoy a good-size tree in just a few years.
How much sun do foxtail palms need?
Plant foxtail palms in a spot with full sun; they do best when they get at least six hours of direct sun per day. They tolerate part shade but don't grow as quickly and can be more susceptible to attack from fungal diseases.
What is the best palm tree for frost free areas?
Foxtail Palm Tree. Homeowners in frost-free regions have a vast array of palms to choose from, and foxtail palm is one of the most popular. This easy-growing tree grows fast and produces fronds that have a lush, full, feathery look. A well-grown tree can have massive fronds up to 10 feet long or more. Just take care when placing foxtail palms so ...
How to keep palms looking green?
Keep the fronds looking lush and dark green by applying a fertilizer formulated for palms in the spring. Follow the directions on the product packaging for application rates.
Do foxtail palms need water?
Foxtail palms appreciate well-drained sandy soil and aren't suited to spots that see standing water for extended periods. In spots where there's a lot of clay or where water may stand, grow them in raised mounds. Once established, the trees are drought-tolerant and don't usually require watering to survive.
Can foxtail palms be planted by itself?
Though foxtail palm is often planted by itself, it looks best when grouped or clustered as three or more. This creates the look of a tropical oasis and creates the perfect spot to place a garden bench or arbor with plantings of lush and colorful tropical plants.
Can foxtail palms grow indoors?
Because they like a lot of light, foxtail palms can be tricky to grow indoors unless you have a conservatory or greenhouse. But they do make beautiful specimens if you have adequate light to keep them alive.
How tall does a foxtail palm get?
The foxtail palm's official botanical name is Wodyetia bifurcate. The fast-growing palm can push up to 30 feet tall under the right conditions. The leaves give the palm its foxtail moniker. Hundreds of fishtail leaflets are attached along the rib of the leaf. The foxtail palm grows fat clusters of cheery red seeds.
Where did Foxtail Palm originate?
After its initial introduction to the world from its relative obscurity in the wilds of Australia, the seeds of the foxtail palm became difficult to find. Botanists and palm enthusiasts around the world snapped up the tree seeds to attempt to grow them in other hardiness zones. Advertisement.
What is the history of foxtail palms?
A surprising fact about the foxtail palm is that it is a relatively new species to have growing in gardens around the world. It wasn't presented to the world until 1978 when the aboriginal arborist Wodyetia alerted botanists of this lovely palm specimen that thrived in his tribe's region.
Why did the Australian government ban the export of foxtail palms?
The Australian government put a ban on seed exports in efforts to protect the foxtail palm. The palm adapted well to landscape areas and greenhouses around the world and is producing plenty of seeds for cultivating.
Where does the feathery palm come from?
This feathery palm hails from Australia and has an interesting backstory.
Do you need to trim a foxtail palm?
Pruning a Foxtail Palm. A benefit of a foxtail palm over other palm trees is that the fronds don't require much attention. There is no need for ladders or cutting tools to trim the tree as it grows. The old fronds will fall off as they age and turn brown around the edges.
Do palm leaves fall off?
The old fronds will fall off as they age and turn brown around the edges. Just be prepared for the slightly bulky and heavy palm leaves to fall onto structures directly under the falling fronds.
What is a foxtail palm tree?
The foxtail palm tree ( Wodyetia bifurcata ), an Australian native, is an adaptable, fast growing specimen. In recent years, varieties of foxtail palm trees have become popular with landscapers and nurserymen in warmer zones of the United States.
What is easy maintenance for foxtail palms?
Easy maintenance is associated with the foxtail palm tree, as it is a self-cleaning specimen; meaning that spent leaves will die and drop from the tree as needed to facilitate new growth.
Do foxtail palms grow in shade?
The attractive foxtail palm tree grows most rapidly in a full sun area, but may thrive in partially shaded areas as well. The foxtail palm tree prefers a humid environment which may be provided by nearby fountains or pebble trays in the immediate area where it is grown.
Can foxtail palms be planted in containers?
Easily started from seed, the foxtail palm tree is suitable for container growing and may be used as an interior planting if correct growing conditions exist. Containers must be large enough to accommodate the large root system. Seeds may be started in small containers and transplanted when germination occurs.
Can foxtail palms grow in salty soil?
Grown in a wide range of soils, the only requirements are that soil be well draining and not highly acidic. Tolerant of salty sea spray and wind, the foxtail palm tree is an excellent choice for those who live on ocean fronts and other salt prone areas. Let’s take a look at how to grow foxtail palms in your garden.
Is foxtail palm fertilizer water soluble?
Foxtail palm fertilizer should be balanced and also contain micronutrients and trace elements. Controlled release fertilizer is preferable to rapid release, water soluble fertilizer, as the latter moves through the soil too quickly to benefit the deep and spreading root system.