Coontie
Zamia pumila
Also known as: Coontie Palm · Florida Arrowroot · Native Cycad · Zamia
Florida's only native cycad — ancient, drought-proof, and the exclusive host plant for the Atala butterfly.
Southwest Florida
Growing Coontie in SWFL
Coontie (Zamia pumila) is the only cycad native to Florida and one of the most ecologically important groundcovers in the SWFL landscape. It is the sole host plant for the Atala butterfly — a stunning iridescent black butterfly that was once thought extinct in Florida and has been recovering in areas where Coontie has been replanted. Highly drought tolerant, extremely slow-growing, and virtually maintenance-free once established. A Babcock Ranch approved species and native plant list standard across SWFL counties. Seed cones are toxic — a consideration for properties with dogs.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to full shade — exceptionally adaptable |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Very low — one of the most drought tolerant plants in this catalog |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate — protected coastal settings |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 8a — remarkably cold hardy for a cycad |
| Mature Height | 2–3ft |
| Mature Spread | 3–5ft |
| Growth Rate | Slow — 5–10 years to full size |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Zamia pumila is the only host plant for the Atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala). The Atala was believed to be extinct in Florida by the 1960s but has been recovering in areas where Coontie has been deliberately planted. Every Coontie planted in a SWFL landscape is a direct contribution to Atala butterfly recovery.
Yes — Coontie is a Florida native cycad and is on Babcock Ranch's approved native species list. It counts toward the 75% native species requirement and is particularly valued for its wildlife habitat value and extreme low-maintenance requirements.
Coontie is one of the slowest-growing plants in our catalog — it typically takes 5–10 years to reach its 2–3ft mature size. The plant we source from Homestead is already well-established in container, giving you a significant head start. Think of it as an investment: once mature, it requires almost no care and never needs replacement.
Yes — the bright orange-red seeds produced in the female cone are toxic if ingested, and can cause serious illness in dogs. The toxicity is concentrated in the seeds; the foliage is not a significant concern. If you have dogs that might access the planting area, place Coontie in a location where seed cones are accessible for removal, or in beds dogs cannot reach.
Coontie is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.