★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 Stars

1 Year Warranty on All Plants

Get 10% Off with code FALL10

Up to 81% Off- Shop the Fall Sale Now!

Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia)

$8995 $20795
Size: 3 Gallon

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia)

Planting Instructions for Coontie

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant Coontie in full sun, partial shade, or even deep shade. In full sun it develops a more compact, dense form, while in shade its leaves grow longer and more open. It suits groundcover plantings, borders, foundation beds, rock gardens, coastal landscapes, and the understory beneath larger trees.
  2. Soil Preparation: Coontie is not picky about soil as long as it drains well. It thrives in sandy, loamy, or rocky soil, which makes it ideal for coastal and urban gardens with poor soil. Avoid spots that stay soggy; it prefers drier conditions once established.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper, and set the plant so it sits at the same level it grew in the pot. For a groundcover or mass planting, space plants roughly 2 to 3 feet apart so they gradually knit together, since each grows 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly for the first few months while roots establish. Mulch with organic matter like pine bark or compost, keeping it off the center of the plant; mulch holds moisture and slowly adds nutrients to the soil.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Once established, Coontie is extremely drought tolerant and needs water only during extended dry periods. For container plants, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and never let the pot sit in water.
  2. Fertilizing: Coontie does not need much feeding. Applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer a couple of times a year keeps it lush and green and can promote faster growth. An organic mulch also provides slow-releasing nutrients.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Coontie resists most common garden problems and is less prone to scale than many other cycads. Check the undersides of leaves occasionally for scale. If you see Atala caterpillars feeding on the leaves, leave them be; the plant recovers and the butterflies are a welcome sight.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Little to no pruning is needed. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base as needed to keep the plant looking fresh. Because it grows slowly and gradually fills out into a dense clump, it rarely needs pruning or dividing.
  2. Winter Care: Coontie grows in USDA zones 8 to 10 and keeps its evergreen foliage year-round in warm climates. In the cooler end of its range, plant it in a sheltered spot and mulch the base for winter protection. Cold may damage leaves, but new growth usually returns in spring.
  3. Growing in Containers: Coontie does well in large pots on patios, balconies, and entryways. Its compact size and slow growth mean it will not outgrow its container quickly. Use a well-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Additional Tips for Growing Coontie

  1. Butterfly Gardens: Coontie is the key host plant for the Atala butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on its leaves. Planting it can bring these striking black, blue, and red butterflies to your yard, and its bright orange-red seeds attract birds and other wildlife.
  2. Pet Safety: Coontie is highly toxic to dogs and cats, and to people, if eaten. Like sago palms and other cycads, all parts contain toxins that can cause severe liver damage, with the seeds being the most dangerous. Plant it where pets cannot chew on it and pick up fallen seeds promptly.
  3. Native Landscaping: Coontie is native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia, as well as the Caribbean, so it is a stress-free choice for Florida-friendly and native landscapes that handle heat and humidity.
What Customers say about the Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia):

The Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia) thrives in Zones 8-10

Growing Zones for the Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia)

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia).

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 8-10
Mature Height 2-4 ft.
Mature Width 2-4 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Zamia integrifolia

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Coontie plant with arching fronds growing beside a large rock in a landscaped area.

Beware- not all Coontie Cycads are the same.

Be sure to get superior cycads, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" cycads to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Coontie Cycads in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall cycads in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" plant, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy plant.

Lush, low-growing coontie plant in a garden with surrounding greenery and mulch.

The Coontie is a tough, native cycad with feathery, deep green leaves- an easy, low-maintenance look for warm-climate gardens.

  • Native to the southeastern U.S. and adapted to local heat, humidity and soils
  • Compact, clumping mound: 2-4 ft. tall and wide for borders and groundcover
  • Grows in sun or shade, and extremely drought tolerant once established
  • Host plant for the Atala butterfly, hardy in zones 8-10

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Young coontie plant in a container with gravel mulch, set against a neutral background.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
Atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala) resting on coontie cycad foliage.

You Want Coontie Cycads Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, weak plants grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take much longer to fill in.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Coontie Cycads, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start filling out into full, lush clumps sooner.

Read more about the Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia)

Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia) – A Tough, Low-Maintenance Native Beauty

If you're looking for a striking, low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, the Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia) is an excellent choice. This hardy, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant plant is a standout addition to any landscape, especially for those who want a resilient, Florida-friendly native. While it looks like a small palm or fern, it's actually a cycad—a group of ancient plants that date back to the time of dinosaurs.

Perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and even wildlife enthusiasts, the Coontie Cycad is a versatile plant that fits well in both modern and tropical garden designs. Its lush, feathery foliage, compact growth habit, and adaptability make it a fantastic groundcover, border plant, or accent in rock gardens.

Why You Need the Coontie Cycad in Your Landscape

1. A True Native That Thrives with Minimal Care

Unlike many exotic plants, Zamia integrifolia is native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida, Georgia, and the Caribbean. That means it's well-adapted to local soils, rainfall patterns, and climate conditions, making it a stress-free choice for those who want a plant that looks great without requiring constant attention.

This cycad handles heat, humidity, drought, and even poor soil conditions with ease, making it an excellent option for those who want an attractive yet unfussy plant in their garden.

2. Drought-Tolerant & Ideal for Water-Wise Landscaping

If you live in an area with seasonal dry spells or want to reduce your reliance on irrigation, the Coontie Cycad is the perfect fit. Once established, it requires little to no supplemental watering, making it a smart choice for water-conscious gardeners and xeriscaping projects.

3. A Wildlife-Friendly Plant

The Coontie Cycad plays an important role in supporting native wildlife, particularly the endangered Atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala). This plant is the only host plant for the Atala caterpillar, meaning if you plant a Coontie in your yard, you may soon see these striking black-and-red butterflies fluttering around.

Additionally, the plant produces bright orange-red seeds, which attract birds and other wildlife, adding even more ecological value to your landscape.

4. Evergreen Beauty Year-Round

Unlike some other cycads, Zamia integrifolia keeps its deep green, feathery foliage throughout the year, providing reliable color and texture even in winter. It forms a low, clumping shape with attractive arching leaves, making it a wonderful choice for understory plantings, groundcover, or as a unique container plant.

5. Pest and Disease Resistant

Many plants struggle with pests and diseases, but the Coontie Cycad is naturally resistant to most common garden problems. While some cycads can suffer from scale insects, Coontie plants tend to be much less susceptible to these issues compared to other members of the cycad family.

How to Grow and Care for Coontie Cycad

Light Requirements

Coontie Cycad is extremely adaptable when it comes to sunlight. It can grow in full sun, partial shade, or even deep shade, making it a great plant for varied landscape conditions. In full sun, it will develop a more compact, dense form, while in shade, the leaves may grow slightly longer and more open.

Soil Preferences

This plant is not picky about soil, as long as it is well-draining. It thrives in sandy, loamy, or even rocky soil, which makes it perfect for coastal landscapes, urban gardens, and areas with poor soil quality. It can even tolerate occasional flooding, though it prefers drier conditions once established.

Watering Needs

Once established, the Coontie Cycad is extremely drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during extended dry periods. If grown in a container, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilization

While the Coontie Cycad doesn’t need much feeding, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer a couple of times a year can promote faster growth. For a more natural approach, mulching with organic matter like pine bark or compost will help maintain soil health and provide slow-releasing nutrients.

Pruning

There is little to no pruning required for the Coontie Cycad. Simply remove old or damaged leaves as needed to keep the plant looking fresh.

Perfect Uses for Coontie Cycad in Your Landscape

1. Groundcover and Mass Planting

The Coontie Cycad forms a low-growing, clumping habit that works beautifully as a lush, green groundcover. When planted in groups, it creates a dense, textured effect that adds depth and visual interest to your garden.

2. Butterfly and Wildlife Gardens

Because of its relationship with the Atala butterfly, the Coontie Cycad is a must-have for pollinator gardens. If you're interested in attracting butterflies and supporting local ecosystems, this is the perfect plant for you.

3. Container Gardening

This cycad does well in large pots and containers, making it a great choice for patios, balconies, and entryways. Its compact size and slow growth mean it won’t outgrow its container too quickly, making it a low-maintenance choice for small spaces.

4. Understory and Shade Gardens

Since the Coontie Cycad can thrive in shady spots, it’s an ideal choice for planting beneath larger trees where other plants may struggle to grow.

5. Rock Gardens and Coastal Landscaping

Thanks to its resilience against salt spray and sandy soils, Zamia integrifolia is a top pick for coastal gardens, beachfront properties, and rock gardens.

Interesting Facts About the Coontie Cycad

  • Ancient History: Cycads like the Coontie have been around for over 250 million years, making them some of the oldest plant species on Earth!
  • USA's Only Native Cycad: While many cycads are tropical imports, Zamia integrifolia is the only cycad native to the United States, mainly found in Florida and parts of the southeastern U.S.
  • Toxicity Warning: The plant contains naturally occurring compounds that can be toxic if ingested. While this isn’t a concern for casual gardeners, it’s best to keep pets and small children from eating the seeds or foliage.
  • Early Uses: Indigenous peoples, including the Seminole tribe, once used Coontie’s underground stems to make flour after extensive processing to remove toxins.

Why You Should Add the Coontie Cycad to Your Garden

With its low-maintenance care, drought tolerance, unique appearance, and support for local wildlife, the Coontie Cycad is a must-have for any Florida-friendly or xeriscape garden. Whether you need a hardy groundcover, an eye-catching container plant, or a butterfly-friendly landscape addition to your garden bed, this plant delivers on all fronts.

It’s the perfect blend of beauty, history, and resilience, making it a smart and sustainable choice for homeowners looking to create a thriving, low-maintenance landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Coontie Cycad (Zamia integrifolia)

How big does a Coontie get?

A Coontie grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide, forming a low, clumping mound of deep green, feathery leaves. That compact size makes it a great groundcover, border plant, foundation planting, or accent in rock gardens and understory beds.

Is Coontie a palm or a fern?

Coontie is neither a palm nor a fern. It is a cycad, part of an ancient group of plants that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs. Its feathery foliage resembles a small palm or fern, which is why it is often mistaken for one.

Is Coontie native to Florida?

Yes, Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) is native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia, as well as the Caribbean. Because it is adapted to local soils, heat, and rainfall, it is a stress-free, low-maintenance choice for Florida-friendly and native landscapes.

How much sun does a Coontie need?

A Coontie grows in full sun, partial shade, or even deep shade. In full sun it develops a more compact, dense form, while in shade its leaves grow longer and more open. That flexibility makes it useful almost anywhere in the landscape.

What zones can Coontie grow in?

Coontie grows in USDA zones 8 to 10. It handles heat and humidity with ease and keeps its evergreen foliage year-round in warm climates. In the cooler end of its range, plant it in a sheltered spot and mulch the base for winter protection.

How often should I water a Coontie?

Once established, a Coontie is extremely drought tolerant and needs water only during extended dry periods. Water regularly for the first few months after planting. For container plants, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and never let the pot sit in water.

What soil does Coontie need?

Coontie is not picky about soil as long as it drains well. It thrives in sandy, loamy, or rocky soil, which makes it ideal for coastal landscapes, urban gardens, and areas with poor soil. It prefers drier conditions once established.

Does Coontie attract butterflies?

Yes, Coontie is the key host plant for the Atala butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on its leaves. Planting Coontie can bring these striking black, blue, and red butterflies to your yard. The plant's bright orange-red seeds also attract birds and other wildlife.

How fast does Coontie grow?

Coontie grows slowly, gradually filling out into a dense clump over several years. That slow, steady growth means it rarely needs pruning or dividing. Occasional feeding with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer a couple of times a year keeps it lush and green.

Is Coontie poisonous to dogs and cats?

Yes, Coontie is highly toxic to dogs and cats, and to people, if eaten. Like sago palms and other cycads, all parts contain toxins that can cause severe liver damage, with the seeds being the most dangerous. Plant it where pets cannot chew on it and pick up fallen seeds.
Back to top