Coccothrinax argentata
 
Common Names Florida Silver Palm, Silver Thatch Palm, Silvertop
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A slender, slow-growing palm native to coastal Florida, the Bahamas, and parts of the Caribbean, Coccothrinax argentata is prized for its shimmering silver leaf undersides and compact stature. Its fan-shaped foliage and upright form make it ideal for xeric landscapes, coastal gardens, and minimalist designs.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: 6–20 ft (1.8–6 m)
Trunk: Smooth gray or covered in woven brown fibers; 2–6 in (5–15 cm) diameter
Leaves: Palmate; 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) wide; 40–54 leaflets with silvery undersides; deeply divided and slightly drooping
Inflorescence: Dioecious; fragrant white to cream flowers on 2 ft (60 cm) stalks, emerging below the leaves
Fruit: Round, purple-black berries; ~0.5 in (1.2 cm) diameter; wildlife-friendly
Ecology: Found in pine rocklands, coastal hammocks, and limestone thickets; larval host for Asbolis capucinus (monk skipper) butterflies
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Watering: Low once established; moderate during establishment
Soil: Sandy or limestone-based; well-drained; tolerates poor nutrient levels
Temperature: Hardy to 30°F (–1°C); prefers warm, dry climates
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates dry air
Propagation: By seed; germination in 6+ weeks; slow juvenile growth
Tolerance: High drought and salt wind tolerance; low tolerance to saltwater flooding
 
Landscape Use Perfect for coastal gardens, xeriscapes, and minimalist tropical designs. Excellent in containers, narrow beds, or as a specimen palm. Pairs well with Thrinax radiata, Serenoa repens, and Acoelorrhaphe wrightii.