Bismarckia nobilis
 
Common Names Bismarck Palm, Satrana Palm, Noble Palm
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A majestic, solitary palm native to the open grasslands of western and northern Madagascar, Bismarckia nobilis commands attention with its massive, silver-blue, fan-shaped leaves and stout trunk. Its bold architecture and drought tolerance make it a premier specimen for tropical and subtropical landscapes. Though slow to establish, it rewards patience with a regal presence unmatched by other fan palms.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow to moderate growth
Height: 30–40 ft in cultivation; up to 70 ft in habitat
Trunk: Thick, smooth gray; 12–20 in diameter; ringed with leaf scars
Leaves: Costapalmate, nearly circular; up to 10 ft wide; silver-blue or green depending on variety
Petiole: Long (6–9 ft), upright; slightly armed; covered in waxy bloom and cinnamon-colored scales
Inflorescence: Arching, branched spikes up to 5 ft long; creamy white flowers; dioecious
Fruit: Olive-brown drupe; ~1.5 in wide; produced only on female plants
Ecology: Endemic to Madagascar’s savannas and plateaux; often the only tree in fire-prone grasslands
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-draining loam or sandy soil; tolerates clay if not overly wet
Temperature: Hardy to 27°F (–2.7°C) for silver form; green form damaged below 32°F
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; germination in 2–6 months
Tolerance: Resistant to drought, heat, and wind; sensitive to transplant shock and poor drainage
 
Landscape Use Ideal as a focal specimen in large tropical gardens, parks, and estates. Pairs well with Phoenix sylvestris, Agave americana, and Plumeria rubra.