Dioon edule
Common Names Chestnut Dioon, Virgin’s Palm, Palma de la Virgen
Zones 8B–11
Dioon edule is a cold-hardy cycad native to the eastern slopes of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental, thriving in dry oak woodlands and thorn forests. With its symmetrical crown of stiff, blue-green fronds and rugged trunk, it evokes a prehistoric elegance. This species is among the most adaptable cycads, tolerating drought, frost, and poor soils—making it ideal for xeriscapes and long-lived specimen plantings.
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright, symmetrical; slow-growing
Height: Typically 3–8 ft; trunk may reach 2 ft over decades
Trunk: Cylindrical, rough; retains persistent leaf bases
Leaves: Pinnate; 3–6 ft long; leaflets narrow, spine-tipped, flat to slightly V-shaped; juvenile foliage often silvery-blue
Petiole: Short; spiny near base
Inflorescence: Dioecious; male cones cylindrical and tan; female cones woolly and compact
Fruit: Seeds large, tan to brown; toxic if ingested
Ecology: Native to elevations of 500–1000 ft; adapted to exposed, rocky soils and seasonal drought
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade; brighter exposure enhances blue tones
Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
Soil: Sharp-draining mix; tolerates mildly acidic to alkaline pH
Temperature: 45–95°F (7–35°C); tolerates brief dips to 22°F
Humidity: Moderate; adaptable to dry air
Propagation: By seed or basal offsets (“pups”)
Tolerance: Drought, frost, and poor soils; avoid waterlogging
Landscape Use Ideal for xeriscapes, porch containers, and frost-prone gardens. Pairs well with Agave lechuguilla, Nolina texana, and Quercus polymorpha for a rugged, highland palette.
Shipping & Order Info Plants up to 7 gallons ship with minor cosmetic blemishes possible. No plants with major flaws will be shipped. All plants are treated and visually inspected for pests prior to shipping. Orders ship Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays the week after purchase. We do not ship to the following states: TX, CA, HI, AZ, NV.
Local Deliveries Please allow up to 72 hours for us to return a quote on delivery for any palms over 15 gallons.
Cancellations Cancellations must be submitted by Sunday at midnight before your scheduled ship date. Later requests will be reviewed individually. Orders requiring a carrier or local deliveries must cancel before any deliveries are booked. There will be no cancellations after booking. If cancellation is still requested, the buyer will forfeit any charges associated with delivery.
Returns Returns/Replacements are handled on a case-by-case basis. Cosmetic damage (e.g., minor leaf blemishes) is not eligible for replacement or discount. Shipping stress may cause temporary leaf drop or shock—this is normal and recovery is expected. If your plant arrives damaged or there’s an issue with your order, please contact us directly before leaving feedback. We’re committed to making it right.