Species › Plants › Needle Palm

Needle Palm

Rhapidophyllum hystrix

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)

The Needle Palm is a hardy palm known for its needle-like spines and fan-shaped leaves. It is one of the most cold-tolerant palms, making it a popular choice for gardens in cooler climates.

Habitat
It is found in the southeastern United States, often in shaded, moist areas.
Diet
Its fruits are consumed by birds and mammals.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Needle Palm

The best time to see a Needle Palm is January–June, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,168 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Needle Palm? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Needle Palm sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Needle Palm?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More plants

Netleaf Hackberry
Netleaf Hackberry
Celtis reticulata
Netted Chain Fern
Netted Chain Fern
Woodwardia areolata
Nettle-leaved Giant Hyssop
Nettle-leaved Giant Hyssop
Agastache urticifolia
New England Aster
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
New England Aster
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
New Mexico Locust
New Mexico Locust
Robinia neomexicana
Noble Fir
Noble Fir
Abies procera