Skip to main content

We can all play a role in protecting Florida's natural resources.

Take the FFL Pledge!

Zamia floridana Coontie

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen


Release Date: 2/4/2024

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fp617-1999

Agriculture

Abstract

This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the coontie plant, a native Florida species also known as Zamia pumila. The document details the plant’s characteristics, including its feather-like, leathery foliage that emerges from a large underground storage root. Coontie is valued for its tropical landscape effect and is suitable for use as a specimen or container planting. It thrives in a variety of soils, requires minimal watering once established, and has high drought tolerance. The publication also covers the plant’s growth habits, pest resistance, and management practices, emphasizing its ornamental features and potential uses in landscaping. First published Oct. 1999. 

About this Publication

This document is FPS-617, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised October 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture; and Gail Hansen, professor, sustainable landscape design; Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Gilman, E. (2007). Zamia floridana Coontie. EDIS, 2007(15). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fp617-1999

Authors

Edward F. Gilman
Edward F. Gilman

professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture

Ryan Klein
Ryan Klein
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, arboriculture, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Gail Hansen
Gail Hansen
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, sustainable landscape design, UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences

Contacts

Keighly Graves
Keighly Graves
staff
University of Florida

horticultural science specialist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Claire Lewis
Claire Lewis
Specialist
University of Florida

state specialized agent II and director Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency

Wendy Wilber
Wendy Wilber
Specialist
University of Florida

state program coordinator and Extension agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Publication #FPS-617