FloridaLandscapeIQ
Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Foxtail Palm — South Florida Plant Guide

Wodyetia bifurcata

Family: Arecaceae · Palm

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

specimen palmavenue palm rowpoolside palmentryway statementtropical backdrop

Style Tags

tropicalresortelegantspecimenavenue

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Water Requirements

Low2/10

Once established (12–18 months), Foxtail Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Low-moderate water once established. 1-2x per week dry season. Outstanding drought tolerance for a palm once established. Well-drained soils mandatory — root rot fatal.

Soil and Fertilization

sandywell drainedloam

Fertilizer: Palm special 8-2-12 with Mn, Mg, and micronutrients — essential in South Florida's limestone soils to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Schedule: 3x per year (February, May, November) palm-specific 8-2-12 + Mn + Mg slow-release.

Salt Tolerance

Moderate (5/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Mature Height
2030 ft
Mature Width
812 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
2/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
7/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Foxtail Palm at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Foxtail Palm grow in South Florida?

Foxtail Palm has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Foxtail Palm safe for pets?

Yes, Foxtail Palm is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic. Self-cleaning — no sharp frond issues after fronds drop. Red fruit litter — monitor dogs from excessive fruit consumption (GI upset possible).

How much water does Foxtail Palm need in South Florida?

Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Foxtail Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Foxtail Palm tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Foxtail Palm has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Foxtail Palm available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Foxtail Palm is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Very common throughout Broward County.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Cold sensitive — zone 10a minimum.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Very popular throughout Collier County landscape applications.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Excellent in Keys tropical climate.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

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Ask about Foxtail Palm

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.