Coontie
Zamia pumila
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Coontie
Zamia integrifolia, coontie, is Florida's only native cycad, a compact, slow-growing plant with glossy, dark green pinnate fronds arising from a partially buried trunk. A critical host plant for the endangered Atala butterfly, it has long been used by indigenous peoples and is a durable choice for native Florida landscapes. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established. Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Coontie is highly adaptable — it grows in full sun, partial shade, or full shade in northeast Florida. It is one of the few native plants that genuinely thrives under trees or in deep shade, while also tolerating the full sun of open lawns once established.
Extremely drought-tolerant once established; supplemental irrigation is rarely needed in Zone 9b except during prolonged dry spells. Water regularly for the first season to promote establishment, then reduce frequency substantially.
Thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soil — the typical soils of northeast Florida. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year with a palm/cycad fertilizer containing micronutrients; avoid scale by treating with horticultural oil as needed. Florida red scale can be fatal if unchecked.
Similar needs
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Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Asiatic Jasmine
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Cast Iron Plant
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Oyster Plant
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Snake Plant
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ZZ Plant
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, low water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Coontie a good plant for St. Augustine?
Coontie is a cycad for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.