Foxtail Palm

Scientific Name: Wodyetia bifurcata

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. It performs best in full sun once established and develops a fuller, stronger canopy with good light.

Height: Typically 25–35 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, with a canopy spread of about 10–15 ft.

Plant Spacing: Space about 10–15 ft. apart for single specimens, rows, or groupings. Allow at least 8–10 ft. from roofs, pools, walkways, driveways, and structures to account for the mature canopy, falling fronds, and fruit clusters.

Growth Habit: Moderate to fast-growing single-trunk feather palm with a smooth gray trunk, green crownshaft, and full, fluffy fronds that resemble a fox’s tail.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 10a–11; moderately cold sensitive and may show damage from frost or hard freezes; moderately drought tolerant once established but looks best with regular irrigation; moderate salt tolerance, though it is best protected from heavy direct oceanfront salt spray.

Maintenance Info: Low to moderate maintenance. Foxtail Palms are generally self-cleaning, so old fronds usually drop on their own. Use palm fertilizer during the growing season, provide good drainage, and water regularly during establishment. Avoid planting too close to roofs, pools, walkways, driveways, or high-traffic areas where falling fronds or fruit clusters may create cleanup.

Best Uses in the Landscape: Excellent as a tropical specimen palm, driveway or entryway accent, pool-area palm, formal row planting, courtyard palm, or clean vertical accent in residential and commercial landscapes.

Plant Info: Foxtail Palm is native to northern Australia and is known for its full, plume-like fronds. The name “Foxtail Palm” comes from the way each frond has leaflets arranged all around the stem, giving it a bushy, fluffy look similar to a fox’s tail. It has become popular in Florida landscapes because it combines a clean trunk, fast growth, and a lush tropical canopy without becoming as massive as some larger palms.