Although palm-like in appearance, this is a cycad, a primitive group of non-flowering plants. It is listed as commercially exploited by the state of F , Tolerance, Tolerant of inundation with brackish water Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Considertions, Grows slowly. Seeds, foliage, and roots are toxic. , Habitat, Upland hardwood forests, high pine, coastal hammocks, shell middens. , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage Larval host for the rare atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala florida) which is restricted to South Florida and the echo moth (Sierarct

Informal settings where it can be a low hedge plant or specimen. Plant forms small clusters by suckering, so give it room. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, In the right conditions, the suckering will be aggressive. , Habitat, Mesic-wet mesic sites. Slope forests, bluffs, riverine floodplain, upland hardwood forest, slope forest, bottomland forest. Found on stream banks. , Did You Know?, Aroma, fragrance, Fall color, Showy flowers Mostly pollinated by sap beetles. The beetles are drawn by the scent of fermentation, and they work their

Many of us think of this is a weed that we allow to grow for its value to insects. Casual settings, especially toward the rear of wildflower gardens , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Once you have this plant, you will always have this plant. It can be quite weedy. The seeds have barbs which stick to clothing and pet fur. , Habitat, Ruderal. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers Attracts native bees, butterflies. Larval host for the  dainty sulphur (Nathalis iole) butterfly.