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4’-5’ Bismarck Palm Tree
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The Bismarck Palm Tree, scientific name Bismarckia nobilis, is one of the most desired fan palms in Florida. The Bismarck Palm is native to the island of Madagascar which is off the east coast of Africa.
It was a relatively recent introduction to Florida landscapes. Bismarckia nobilis is a massive palm that will give dramatic effect to any landscape. This palm can be used as a focal point or for nice shade and screening.
This palm can tolerate cold temperatures down to 25F and can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas.
Bismarck Palm Identifying Characteristics
The Bismarck Palm has a single smooth trunk topped with 20-25 wide fronds forming a spherical crown. Younger Bismarck Palm has grey trunk covered with old leaf bases which gets smoother as it matures.
The Bismarck Palm has palmate waxy leaves supported by thick stems. Stems are 8-10ft long, 10 inch in diameter and covered with small sharp teeth. Wide spread of beautiful silver-green leaves can reach 10ft across.
Bismarck Palm Flowers and Fruits
During late spring Bismarck Palm produces small fragrant flowers. The Bismarck Palm is dioecious, male and female flowers are on different plants.
Cream flowers grow in clusters on 3ft long stalks which gets bent downwards by the fruit weight. Beautiful flowers are followed by not edible blue fruits. Fruits are oblong and 1/2 – 1 inch in diameter.
How to Care For Bismarck Palm
Domestic Bismarck Palm can grow up to 30-50ft tall and 20ft wide, but in the wild it can reach 70ft. It is a fast growing palm that can grow from 3ft to 15 ft tall in 5 years.
It’s a great tree for gardeners who want low maintenance palm tree. Apply good quality palm fertilizer has continuous release formula twice a year during growing season.
The Bismarck Palm is very cold hardy and can tolerate cold down to 25F when mature enough. It is also known to survive in 22 F without permanent damage. Great for zones 9b (25 – 30 F) to 11 (above 40 F).
It adapts to many kinds of soil and likes full sun. If you don’t have sunny spot, don’t worry it will tolerate some shade.
You are not going to get any serious problems with this palm tree.
