Coccothrinax montana
 
Common Names Mountain Silver Palm (unofficial); no widely accepted common name
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A rare, high-altitude fan palm native to the mountains of Hispaniola, Coccothrinax montana is distinguished by its slender trunk, compact crown, and nearly perfect circular leaves. It’s one of the cold-hardiest species in the genus, making it a prized specimen for collectors in marginal tropical zones.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: Up to 20 ft (6 m); crown spread ~8 ft (2.4 m)
Trunk: Slender; smooth to fibrous; 3–5 in (7.5–12.5 cm) diameter
Leaves: Costapalmate; circular; deeply divided; symmetrical; green above, silvery below
Inflorescence: Bisexual flowers; emerges among leaves
Fruit: Round; ripens to black; unusually large seeds (second only to C. crinita)
Ecology: Native to high elevations in Hispaniola; adapted to rocky, well-drained soils
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered light when young; full sun when mature
Watering: Fair to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; rocky or sandy substrates preferred
Temperature: Hardy to 26°F (–3°C); among the most cold-tolerant Coccothrinax
Humidity: Moderate; tolerates mountain dryness
Propagation: By seed; slow germination; seedlings benefit from shade
Tolerance: High drought and cold tolerance; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for collectors in warm temperate zones, minimalist gardens, and high-elevation tropical landscapes. Pairs well with Coccothrinax crinita, Copernicia alba, and Sabal minor.