Zamia pumila

  • Family name: Zamiaceae
  • Host plant for: Atala (Eumaeus atala)
  • General description: Evergreen herbaceous perennial with stiff, fern-like leaves and small, reddish-brown cones. Compact growth. Ornamental and easy to grow. Prefers full sun to part shade in well-drained, dry soils. Extremely hardy and adaptable to harsh conditions. Can tolerate freezing temperatures, drought and salt exposure. Showy, landscape plant.
  • Type: Evergreen, herbaceous perennial
  • Flower: Reddish-brown cones
  • Bloom time: Spring
  • Soil type: Dry, thin, sandy, well-drained soils.
  • Maximum height: 3 feet
  • Candidate for home gardens: Hardy, evergreen
  • Availability in nursery: Specialty and native plant nurseries
  • Frenquency in the wild: Uncommon
  • Habitat: Oak hammocks, dry pinelands, pine rocklands
  • Range in Florida
Full sunFull Sun
Partial sunPartial Sun
Drought tolerantDrought Tolerant

Florida wildflower vehicle license plateThe Florida Wildflowers & Butterflies projects at the Florida Museum are sponsored in part by the State of Florida and the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc.