Queen Palm Tree

Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), also known as cocos palm or jerivá, is a fast-growing, single-trunked palm with a smooth gray trunk and a crown of long, arching pinnate fronds. UF/IFAS describes cream-colored flower clusters in spring and summer, followed by orange fruit. In Florida landscapes it is used as a specimen or street palm; extension sources report mature heights around 50 feet and spreads around 18–25 feet. These extension measurements describe common landscape size, while mature specimens can vary by site and growing conditions. ### Growing conditions Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. UF/IFAS notes that queen palm performs poorly in alkaline soils. It is not self-cleaning, so old fronds can remain attached; potassium and other nutrient deficiencies may occur in landscape soils. ### Landscape use Allow ample vertical and canopy clearance. Its large crown and dropped fruit make placement important near walks, parking, pools, and roofs. ### Sources [UF/IFAS Queen Palm](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST609); [UF/IFAS Central Florida landscape guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP020). ## Maintenance During establishment, keep the root ball from drying and water deeply as needed. Once established, irrigate for extended dry periods rather than keeping the root zone continuously wet. Remove only fully dead fronds, and use a palm fertilizer program suited to local soil and extension guidance.