Palm trees used as a canopy understory can lend a tropical appearance to any landscape. However, few palms can tolerate low-light conditions, but here are some that can:

• Howea fosteriana, Kentia Palm
• Livistona chinensis, Chinese Fan

• Rhapidophyllum hystrix, Needle Palm

One of the hardiest palms available, needle palms will grow as far north as southern Arkansas and the Carolinas. This native is characterized by its large palmate fronds and unique needle-like fibers at the trunk base. Although small in stature, needle palms are slow growers and can make unique specimen plants.

Mature Height: 5 feet
Hardiness Zone: 8-10B
Origin: Southeastern U.S.

•Rhapis spp., Lady Palms

The very cold-hardy lady palm is the quintessential shade palm, as it thrives in low light.
Too much sun can cause foliage to yellow and burn. If allowed to spread, lady palms make an excellent
screen or hedge. If trimmed up to reveal the palm's slender, attractive trunks, lady palms are an effective, care-free specimen plant.

Mature Height: 7 feet
Hardiness Zone: 9-11
Origin: China

• Chamadorea spp., Cat Palms - Bamboo Palms

These low-growing, trunkless, spineless palm species are perfect selections for pool enclosures, small areas, and low-light levels. Often used as accent plants in shade gardens, these palms are carefree, dark green, and easy to grow.

Mature Height: 5 feet
Hardiness Zone: 10B-11
Origin: Mexico

While coastal and beach landscapes may seem like
natural settings for planting palm trees, they do present certain challenges, as well. Salt spray, for
example, can be damaging to many palm trees. These, however, are well adapted to seaside conditions:

• Coccothrinax argentata, Silver Palm
• Coccothrinax miraguama, Miraguama Palm
• Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, Bottle Palm
• Hyophorbe verschaffeltii, Spindle Palm
• Pseudophoenix sargentii, Buccaneer Palm

• Cocos nucifera, Coconut Palm

Coconuts are the most universal and widely distributed palm tree in the world. Although used mainly for food, fiber, and construction in other countries, the coconut has become a symbol of the tropics for homeowners and developers in Florida. Because of the tree's high salt tolerance, it is a good choice for beach and coastal landscaping. While lethal yellowing has been a problem for years, both the 'Maypan' and 'Green Malayan' cultivars are highly resistant.

Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet
Hardiness Zone: 10B-11
Origin: Unknown

• Thrinax radiata Florida, Thatch Palm

The native Florida Thatch palm is perfect for small areas and is adaptable to high pH and coastal conditions. It is an easy, carefree way to attain a classic, tropical look. The Florida thatch is a slow grower, but is equally attractive when young or old.

Mature Height: 20 feet
Hardiness Zone: 10B-11
Origin: South Florida and the Caribbean